Senators continue working on President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” and ways to cut government spending. There is concern that Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act could all become targets.
The group “Rural Minds” warns that cutbacks would hit farm country the hardest.
“Rural America already has limited health resources. Getting or keeping their coverage can be a huge additional mental health stressor and Medicaid benefits are essential for many people in rural America, and for those who can enter an ACA marketplace, the tax benefits that could expire at the end of this year are crucial for being able to maintain or even get their mental health coverage,” said Rural Minds Public Policy VP Don Hannaford.
Another ag group is speaking out for rural communities. Farm Action has been reviewing the Make America Healthy Again report since its release. They are urging the Administration to keep up the momentum but say lasting change will require a bipartisan effort.
“Neither party or the other will deliver a healthier agricultural food system. President Trump has to recognize his actions are necessary if we’re to achieve this. He’s got to push USDA, HHS, and the other agencies to push back against the corporate capture within their own agencies,” said Joe Maxwell.
The Commission’s report caused a big stir in the ag space when it was released last month. A few groups have voiced support, but Plains Cotton Growers backed the report’s call for more research on microplastics. They say it is critical to understand the full impact on U.S. agriculture.
