Early this morning, while much of the nation slept, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a federal budget that will devastate the lives of millions of families, including many right here in Tennessee. This bill endangers health care coverage, increases food insecurity, and deepens the divide between the powerful few and the struggling many. It is a direct threat to the well-being and dignity of our communities. Medicaid and SNAP provide vital health and nutrition support to families across Tennessee. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that at least 8.6 million Americans, including 75,000 Tennesseans, will lose health coverage. The bill strips quality and safety protections for the frail elderly in nursing homes. Millions of children will go to bed hungry in what is one of the richest countries in the world. These are real consequences that will reshape lives for the worse. The bill also betrays values that most people in this country, regardless of political background, still believe in—compassion, dignity, and community. Polling shows that the vast majority of Americans support Medicaid and SNAP as is. This bill moves us in the opposite direction. At TJC, we see the stakes clearly because we work with the people most affected. We know parents caring for children with disabilities. We know seniors who rely on nutrition assistance to get through the month. We know mothers whose lives were saved because TennCare provided access to life saving care when their lives and their babies’ lives were at risk. These families are doing everything they can to survive, and this budget would make that even harder. TJC will continue to fight to protect access to health care and food. In the face of this cruel proposal, we are mobilizing advocates, raising client voices, and working with faith, health, and policy leaders to demand a better path. Tennesseans are strong, but strength shouldn't be a substitute for basic support. We urge Senator Blackburn and Senator Hagerty to reject this bill and protect the programs that keep people healthy and fed. We stand with the Tennessee families we serve, loudly, clearly, and without pause. Call and email Senator Blackburn and Senator Hagerty NOW. 🌟 Find all you need for your advocacy at tnjustice.org/joinus (fb)

Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or “food stamps”) would lead to economic disaster for Tennessee. Here's how: 🔶 Over 6,600 retailers in the state of Tennessee rely on SNAP as a source of income for their provisions, leading to an annual revenue of over $1.6 million. 🔶 Loss of revenue would create financial hardships for many businesses, leading to drastic changes: personnel reductions, reduced inventory, or, in extreme cases, closure. 🔶 Over 730,000 families would see shifts in food security, impairing concentration, energy levels, & overall health—factors that are critical for maintaining consistent job performance and employment stability It is absolutely essential that Congress protects programs like SNAP, but they need to hear that from YOU! Call 202-224-3121 to #ProtectSNAP. 👉️ Find call-in scripts and more advocacy resources at tnjustice.org/joinus (fb)