To the Journal editor:

The proposed U.S. House Budget slashes taxes for the wealthy and funding for federal programs. What does this mean for our district? Below is only the tip of the iceberg:

1. The wealthiest 1% will save over $300,000 in taxes

2. Large corporations and CEO’s will save $2 trillion dollars

3. Over 71,000 households in MI-01 will pay more or lose broad band access, as there is no funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

4. Costs will increase significantly (or become unaffordable) for the increasing number of enrollees in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Estimated average increase of $820 more per year, though a 60 year old couple will pay close to $12,000 more per year.

5. Over 175,000 Medicaid recipients in MI-01 could lose healthcare. This disproportionally effects children (over 62,000) and seniors (over 21,000).

6. Cut/lose SNAP (food) benefits for 127,000 people in MI-01.

7. $11 billion in cuts to federal education funding across all states. There are two major programs that use this funding: Title 1, for low income communities and IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Cuts to federal education funding will disproportionately harm low income communities and students with disabilities in MI-01.

Urge U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, to vote no on this budget. He took a pledge to uphold the constitution and represent the people. Thus far, he is silent on the Trump/Musk administration’s refusal to disperse funds appropriated by Congress and Trump/Musk’s unilateral decisions regarding which laws / agencies designated by Congress they like and which they don’t like.

He is also silent on the proposed House budget. But it is not too late to protect the constitution and the welfare of his constituents. Urge him to speak out against administrative power grabs and vote no on this budget!