New NC Law Extends Grace Period for Expired Driver’s Licenses — But It Comes With Conditions
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina drivers dealing with backlogged DMV appointments just got some breathing room — but not without a few caveats. Thanks to…
Poll Shows Deep Divide Among North Carolinians on Trump’s Decision-Making
SALISBURY, N.C. — A recent political survey reveals sharply divided opinions among North Carolinians on former President Donald Trump’s leadership, particularly in how he handles…
Charlotte Fire and Medic Reach Agreement on EMS Overhaul Amid Growing Emergency Demands
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — City leaders are moving forward on long-awaited reforms to Mecklenburg County’s emergency medical services. In a significant development, Charlotte Fire and Medic…
, the budget includes significant reductions in funding for **Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies**, which provide coverage to low-income Americans, including many residents in the Carolinas. Additionally, the budget would **tighten eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)**, making it harder for many families to receive food support. Changes would also affect housing assistance, energy bill relief programs, and school lunch subsidies. Democrats say these changes aren’t just technical — they’re personal. > “This budget is not about fiscal responsibility. It’s about punishing the poor while protecting tax breaks for the rich,” said **Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC)** during a recent press conference. --- ### **“Big, Beautiful Betrayal” Becomes Rallying Cry** The phrase “big, beautiful betrayal” was coined by **Rep. Hakeem Jeffries**, the House Democratic leader, in response to what he calls Trump’s double standard. > “He promised to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Now he’s cutting them,” Jeffries told reporters, adding that the budget bill contradicts the economic populism Trump campaigned on. The proposal is currently facing stiff resistance in the **Democrat-led Senate**, though some moderate Republicans have voiced support for trimming entitlement spending. --- ### **Local Impact Across North Carolina** If enacted, the cuts could hit **North Carolina particularly hard**, where nearly **1 in 5 residents** relies on Medicaid and where food insecurity remains a serious concern, especially in rural and urban working-class communities. Local nonprofit leaders warn that the legislation could result in longer wait times for basic services, reduced food pantry availability, and more families losing access to care. > “Programs like SNAP and Medicaid are the only reason some of our families make it through the month,” said **Tina Alston**, director of a Charlotte-based community aid group. “This budget would reverse decades of safety net progress.” --- ### **Budget Still Faces Uphill Battle in Congress** While Republicans argue the budget is necessary to **reduce the federal deficit**, Democrats insist that slashing social programs is not the solution. As the bill advances through committee, lawmakers on both sides are bracing for a **contentious summer debate** ahead of the November midterm elections. > “We can have fiscal responsibility without cruelty,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA). “This budget fails that test.” --- ### **Reader CTA** Are you worried about how Trump’s proposed budget might impact your family, your healthcare, or food benefits? Share your perspective in the comments — your story could help shape future coverage on **saludastandard-sentinel.com**. **Author: Elena Brooks** **Category: North Carolina News** --- Let me know if you'd like a NewsBreak-optimized excerpt or feature image suggestion.](https://saludastandard-sentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Democrats-Slam-Trumps-Budget-Bill-as-‘Betrayal-That-Targets-Healthcare-SNAP-Benefits-768x432.jpg)
Democrats Slam Trump’s Budget Bill as ‘Betrayal’ That Targets Healthcare, SNAP Benefits
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As President Donald Trump continues pushing his latest budget proposal through Congress, Democratic lawmakers across North Carolina and beyond are calling it…
Trump’s New Tariffs Hit Charlotte Candle Maker, Forcing Price Changes and Supply Swaps
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte-based candle artist is feeling the heat — not from her wax, but from the rising costs of doing business under…
If You Own a Gun in South Carolina, This New Storage Law Could Land You in Trouble
SOUTH CAROLINA — A new law quietly went into effect this month requiring many South Carolina gun owners to secure their firearms using a gun…
Johnston County School Board Bans Pride Flags in Classrooms, Drawing Mixed Reactions
JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — The Johnston County School Board has voted to prohibit the display of Pride flags and other non-official symbols in classrooms and…
North Carolina’s $127B Pension Fund Shifts to New Oversight Model, Sparking Debate Over Transparency and Risk
RALEIGH, N.C. — In a major governance shift, North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner has pushed through an overhaul of the state’s public pension system…
Experts Say It’s Time to Reform North Carolina’s Insurance Rate Bureau System
RALEIGH, N.C. — In the wake of catastrophic losses from Hurricane Helene and growing insurance instability across the Southeast, experts are once again questioning whether…
Thousands in North Carolina Prisons Endure Summer Heat Without Air Conditioning
RALEIGH, N.C. — With temperatures soaring across the Carolinas this summer, thousands of incarcerated individuals in North Carolina prisons are still enduring sweltering heat without…