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)
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