Fact Check: Federal budgets can impact social services funding.

Fact Check: "Federal budgets can impact social services funding."

What We Know

Federal budgets play a critical role in determining the funding allocated to various social services, including healthcare, nutrition assistance, and education. Recent legislative actions, such as the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, have proposed significant cuts to federal programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This legislation is projected to result in over $850 billion in cuts to Medicaid alone, which would lead to millions losing health coverage and increase economic stress on families already facing hardships. These cuts are expected to disproportionately affect low-income families and children, as many would lose access to essential services that support their health and well-being.

Additionally, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities highlights that changes to SNAP could increase food insecurity for vulnerable populations, including those on fixed incomes. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has also indicated that the proposed budget changes would lead to increased out-of-pocket costs for individuals who rely on Medicaid and Medicare, further straining family budgets and access to care (source-4).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that federal budgets impact social services funding is robust. The proposed cuts in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act are not only substantial but also indicative of a broader trend where federal budget decisions directly affect state budgets and the availability of social services. As noted in the analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the reduction in federal funding for programs like Medicaid and SNAP will likely force states to make difficult choices, potentially leading to cuts in other essential services such as education and vocational rehabilitation.

Moreover, the NASW emphasizes that these budget cuts will strip vital healthcare access and food security from millions of low-income families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. This aligns with findings from various studies indicating that reductions in federal funding can lead to increased poverty and health disparities, particularly in communities of color and rural areas.

While some may argue that budget cuts are necessary for fiscal responsibility, the evidence suggests that such cuts have dire consequences for social services and the families that depend on them. The reliability of the sources cited, including nonpartisan organizations like the CBO and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, lends credibility to the assertion that federal budgets significantly influence social services funding.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that federal budgets can impact social services funding is substantiated by substantial evidence showing that recent budget proposals, particularly the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, would lead to significant cuts in essential services like Medicaid and SNAP. These cuts are expected to have detrimental effects on millions of families, particularly those in low-income brackets, thereby affirming that federal budget decisions directly influence the availability and quality of social services.

Sources

1. The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act will Mean Big Budget Hits for Families
2. H. Rept. 119-4 - Concurrent Resolution on the Budget, Fiscal Year 2025
3. City Federal Credit Union
4. 2025 Budget Impacts: House Bill Would Cut Assistance and Raise Costs
5. Welcome
6. How the 2025 Federal Budget Could Change State Policy and Impact
7. Products/Services - City Federal Credit Union
8. Harmful Impact of 2025 Congressional Reconciliation Budget Package - NASW