Categories: Feature

Death by a Thousand Budget Cuts: The Need for a New Fight for Poor People’s Rights

“You’re living in your poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58 percent of your youth is unemployed—what the hell do you have to lose?”

—Donald J. Trump on the presidential campaign trail, August 2016

 

By Tina Sacks

As of January 2017 it appears that, we, indeed, have everything to lose. Donald J. Trump’s rhetorical exhortation to urban—i.e., Black—voters during the 2016 presidential campaign seems all too real now that he has ascended to the US presidency.

 

Much has been made of the looming threats Trump poses to the safety net, including the Affordable Care Act, Obama’s flawed but remarkable piece of legislation that has expanded health insurance to 22 million Americans, protected people with preexisting conditions, and allowed young adults to remain on their parents’ insurance until age 26.

 

Although the dismantling of the ACA is a horrifying prospect, particularly for people who have benefited from the Medicaid expansion, Trump’s deadliest actions may be felt by our fellow Americans living in poverty.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

 

http://www.socialjusticejournal.org/death-by-a-thousand-budget-cuts-the-need-for-a-new-fight-for-poor-peoples-rights/

 

 

This article was originally published on the blog of Social Justice: A Journal of Crime, Conflict and World Order. Please visit the our series’ homepage:

http://www.socialjusticejournal.org/the-possible-futures-of-trumps-america/

Staff

Recent Posts

Policy Chat with Bindu! 7/18 Recap

This session focused on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which became law on July…

7 days ago

Policy Chat with Bindu!

Welcome to your one-stop space for staying connected to NASW-CA’s advocacy work.Each month, Policy Chat…

2 weeks ago

2025-2026 Region E Updates

Welcome to Region E – San Diego, where we are proud to serve one of…

2 weeks ago

Rooted Together Resources

This page is a living collection of resources shared during our weekly support groups held…

3 weeks ago

2025 Lobby Day – Day 1

Legislative Learning Day | April 27, 2025Our Lobby Days kicked off with a powerful day…

3 months ago

2025 LOBBY DAY – DAY 2

Lobby Day Rally | April 28, 2025On April 28, social workers, students, and advocates united…

3 months ago