Rep. Aguilar Highlights Costly Impact of Republican Cuts to Food Assistance in the Inland Empire

Rep. Aguilar is a proud cosponsor of the HELP Act, which would expand the reach of United Way's 2-1-1 helpline and connect those in need with social services

RIVERSIDE, CA - Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) held a press conference at the Inland SoCal United Way and 211+ to discuss the impact Republican cuts to healthcare and food assistance are having on individuals and families here in the Inland Empire.

As part of their Big Ugly Bill, Trump and Republicans enacted the largest funding cuts to healthcare and food assistance in U.S. history, resulting in millions of Americans losing access to health insurance and families going hungry. This means in California, up to 2 million people could lose their health insurance through Medi-Cal, and more than 3 million households are at risk of losing their access to food assistance through CalFresh. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.

"Hardworking Inland Empire families are feeling the pain of cuts to health care and food assistance in Republicans' Big Ugly Bill," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. "Now, Trump's war with Iran is driving up the cost of everything from food to gas and putting even more pressure on working people. Democrats aren't standing for these policies, and neither are organizations like United Way, which provide resources like food assistance, healthcare and housing. I'm grateful for their work to fill the gap created by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress. I look forward to continuing to partner with United Way to help people here in California build better, healthier lives."

"We are grateful to Congressman Aguilar for his steadfast leadership in fighting for the families and communities most impacted by H.R. 1," said Kimberly Starrs, President and CEO, Inland SoCal United Way and Inland SoCal 211+. "Cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other critical programs don't just reduce federal spending, they shift the burden onto community-based organizations that are already stretched thin. United Way is committed to ensuring no one falls through the cracks and we are calling on our community to join us through donations, volunteering and advocacy."