Cuts vs. Cuts - Action Alert May 12, 2025

beachesactivistmov
12 minutes ago
4 min read

Pick Your Cuts: Critical Programs or

Billionaire Taxes

Congressional committees will release details this week on proposed program cuts and plans for billionaire tax breaks --- all aimed at giving Trump his "big, beautiful" budget bill. Numbers tossed around by lawmakers are mind-boggling and a moving target, but ultimately involve deep cuts to non-defense programs and the addition of billions of dollars to the federal deficit in order to extend and increase tax cuts that disproportionally benefit the wealthiest taxpayers.

The House Budget Committee Democratic Caucus just released a tool for figuring out what proposed GOP cuts mean in local communities. Take a look at some ways they impact FL Congressional District 5, represented by John Rutherford:

More than 100,000 people who depend on the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) for their health insurance will see a 54% increase in their premiums --- an average of more than $570 annually. Many families could see much higher premium hikes.
92,000 Medicaid recipients, including more than 60,000 children and 16,000 seniors in CD 5, are at risk of losing their coverage altogether.
Proposed cuts threaten 80,000 in the district who count on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on their tables.
Across the state, free lunches for more than a million children are at-risk.
And, nearly 8,000 students in CD 5 who depend on Pell Grants could no longer afford to go to college.

These are numbers even Rutherford should be able to wrap his head around. Keep up the pressure! Use this fact sheet to call Rutherford, and FL Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody NOW through the Capitol switchboard (202) 224-312. Tell them NO CUTS to these and other vital programs that people in our community depend on. Billionaires don't need more tax breaks!

State Legislature Delays Budget Work

In-fighting between leadership in the FL House and Senate, coupled with a veto threat by the Governor, postponed the start of an extended session slated to start this week. Leaders are at odds over how to cut taxes (sales vs. property), among other issues. The Legislature failed to adopt a budget --- its only constitutional mandate --- during its regular 60-day session. Thanks to everyone's advocacy, many bad bills were stopped, including provisions impacting child labor, gun ownership, book bans, reproductive health care for teens, LGBTQ and voting rights, among others. The bill protecting state parks from development was enacted. Find a summary of key wins and losses from Jax NOW here.

Protect Funding for AP, IB & Other Programs

On the table --- when the FL Legislature reconvenes to adopt a budget --- are proposals to cut funding for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), Dual Enrollment, and Career & Technical Education (CTE) by 50%. Students and families depend on these programs to prepare for college and technical careers. Urge Rep. Kiyan Michael and Sen. Clay Yarborough to protect these programs using this form created by Families for Strong Public Schools. And keep an eye out for a sleight-of-hand by lawmakers who claim to be raising education funding but are just increasing vouchers for private schools. Tell Michael and Yarborough we want real funding increases for public schools!

BAM Meeting Focuses on Eco-Advocacy

Protecting the integrity and water quality of the St. Johns River is a primary focus of the Public Trust for Conservation, according to Executive Director John November, who discussed the group's past success and warned of continued environmental challenges to the waterway. Speaking at the BAM meeting last week, November reviewed how regulations on the disposal of biosolids --- sewage sludge --- implemented in South Florida are adversely impacting vulnerable waters, including the St. Johns River basin, in other parts of the state. Increased algal bloom outbreaks that threaten sea life and their food sources are a primary concern. Demonstrating the economic impact of this problem is key to developing regulatory and other solutions, said November. The Trust also works with the City of Jacksonville to strengthen tree protection and promote the more effective use of tree mitigation trust funds. A new area of interest for the group is manatee protection, particularly from commercial vessels. Audience discussion focused on legal strategies and steps consumers could take to safeguard the environment. Save the date for the next meeting on June 18th --- BAM and Indivisible Mandarin are co-hosting a virtual presentation on boycotts as a strategy for fighting MAGA and supporting pro-democracy businesses.

(left) In addition to his remarks on the work of the Public Trust, November also shared stories of his childhood growing up in Atlantic Beach and how it influenced his career. (right) Congratulations to Matt Soergel, winner of the Eco-Trivia contest!

Save the date! We'll join other Jacksonville area organizations and activist groups around the country in a nationwide day of defiance on June 14th to counter Trump's planned birthday celebration and military parade in Washington DC.

A courthouse rally, protests, and other activities are planned, along with a Juneteenth celebration and voter outreach at the Melanin Market on Jacksonville's Eastside. Stay tuned for details!