Data show Medicaid and SNAP cuts from the Republican Tax Law disproportionately harm Black Pennsylvanians

PENNSYLVANIA – As communities across Pennsylvania celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on the ongoing fight for opportunity and equality, Affordable Pennsylvania is warning that the Republican Tax Law, which passed with support from Pennsylvania Reps. Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry will disproportionately impact Black families by cutting health care and food assistance programs that millions rely on.

“Juneteenth reminds us that progress should mean more opportunity and more security for families, not less,” said Arona, mother of two living in Rep. Scott Perry’s district. “Black families are already working hard to make ends meet and parents should not have to choose between putting food on the table or getting health care when their children need it. Our communities deserve better and I want to know how Rep. Scott Perry plans to help us.”

The law gives tax cuts for the wealthy and makes the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in history, both programs that have helped improve health coverage and food security for Black Americans.

The cuts and changes to Medicaid could worsen health disparities among Black communities. Nearly 3 million Pennsylvanians are enrolled in Medicaid, including over 160,000 in PA-07, over 200,000 in PA-08, and more than 180,000 in PA-10. Nearly 63 percent of Black children in PA are covered by Medicaid. Communities with the highest proportion of Black residents face greater odds of hospital closures compared with communities with the fewest Black residents.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 3.9 million Black households receive SNAP benefits. SNAP serves more than 2 million Pennsylvanians, including over 110,000 in PA-07, over 140,000 in PA-08, and over 120,000 Pennsylvanians in PA-10. Structural barriers to employment leave Black households particularly vulnerable to reductions in food assistance.

Read more:

• Politico: Looming Medicaid cuts could hurt Black children, advocates warn

• Capital B: Medicaid Cuts Endanger Life-Saving Care for Black Families in Rural America

• Community Catalyst: How H.R. 1's Health Care Cuts Devastate Black Communities

• Protect Our Care: FACT SHEET: People of Color Face Coverage Loss and Higher Costs Thanks to Republicans Gutting Medicaid