Federal Budget Proposal a Shortsighted Attempt to Undercut Progress for Latinos

PHOENIX—Today, UnidosUS (formerly NCLR) experts and Arizona community leaders hosted a roundtable event centered on what Latino Arizonans can expect from the upcoming debates in Congress on the federal budget and tax reform. Released earlier this year, the House budget blueprint, dubbed “Building a Better America,” maintains some of the most egregious provisions of the Trump budget unveiled in May. From deep cuts to crucial food assistance and health programs to a rollback of important consumer protections, the budget proposal poses a threat to the economic outlook of Latino workers and states’ economies nationwide, including that of Arizona.

“This year, the Trump administration unveiled a budget deeply at odds with the best interests of the American people. While congressional leaders had an opportunity to go back to the drawing board and craft a plan that truly invests in our communities and strengthens our workforce, House Republicans instead presented a watered-down version of the Trump budget that once again prioritizes massive tax cuts for the rich and denies working families a shot at a better future. We reject this budget and urge congressional leaders to do the same,” said Rafael Collazo, Director of Political Campaigns at UnidosUS.

During the roundtable, participants outlined how the budget proposal works to the detriment of those most vulnerable, including the millions of Latinos who rely on safety net programs to make ends meet. A fact sheet unveiled by UnidosUS experts during the event demonstrates the number of Latino Arizonans who stand to be affected by deep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), access to affordable housing, and refundable tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

“At a time when the Latino community is grappling with attacks on multiple fronts—from fear of increased ICE [Immigration Customs Enforcement] raids in our neighborhoods to renewed threats to their health care and attempts to deport hardworking DREAMers—it is critical that lawmakers reverse course and abandon a legislative agenda focused squarely on undermining the safety and economic progress of Latinos. These are workers, families, students and children who want nothing more than an opportunity to fulfill the American Dream,” said Petra Falcon, Executive Director of Promise Arizona.