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Legislation: Federal
On the last legislative day in March, the Republicans of both houses were able
to pass a budget resolution calling for $70 billion in tax cuts, $35 billion in
cuts in mandatory spending (entitlement program), and $212 billion cuts in
domestic discretionary spending over the next five years.
The Resolution calls for a total of $100 billion in tax cuts over the next five
years, including the $70 billion mentioned above which has been “fast-tracked”,
meaning that it can be passed by a simple majority without the possibility of a
filibuster. Among the cuts, it is assumed that the cut in the capital gains tax,
recently reduced to 15%, will be extended to 2010. It is estimated that more
than half of this tax cut will go to households with income in excess of $1
million and 80% will go to the 3% of households with income in excess of
$200,000.
Cuts in the Medicaid program, perhaps Food Stamp program as well
The Resolution calls for $10 billion in cuts to the Medicaid program. There is also language that establishes a Medicaid Commission but there are no details as to its composition, time frame, or mission.
The Resolution also calls for $3 billion in cuts to programs under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committees. While originally thought that the bulk of the cuts would come from farm subsidies, the Chair of the House Committee, Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), reportedly wants the food stamp program to carry the major portion of the cuts.
The cuts will also likely affect K-12 education, SSI, environmental protection, law enforcement, WIC, community health centers, housing and community development, TANF, and more.
Cuts in mental health programs still under consideration
Cuts to mental health programs still under consideration include $54million from the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) affecting our most severely mentally ill citizens and their families, $14 million from substance abuse programs, and $3 million from jail diversion programs.
It is estimated that the Resolution’s budget outline will result in an increase of $168 billion to the deficit over the next five years as the cost of the tax cuts and defense spending far outstrip the savings contemplated.
Thanks to Richard Yanes, Clinical Social Work Federation Executive Director, for this update; his full report can be found at on the Society’s website, http://www.gwscsw.org.