Arizona leaders clash over proposed cuts to Medicaid, Food Assistance

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A new federal budget proposal is drawing sharp criticism from both sides of the political aisle, sparking a heated debate over health care funding and food assistance, two services millions of Arizonans rely on every day.

On a press call Thursday morning, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Arizona State Representative Nancy Gutierrez voiced concerns that the plan would cut essential programs like Medicaid and free school meals.

"As a public school teacher, I am very concerned about the food inequities that will result," Gutierrez said. "Over 58% of Arizona students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and they will not get those benefits of coming to school and actually eating, let alone being able to learn, if these cuts happen."

Becerra echoed those concerns, calling the proposed cuts harmful to working families.

"For what? Tax breaks for billionaires and corporations?" Becerra said. "It doesn't make sense to put the health and life of Americans, Arizonans, at risk simply to provide tax cuts to the wealthiest in this country."

But local Republican leaders argue the proposal doesn't necessarily gut services, it simply refocuses spending.

"What I see, and I go back into the scare tactics, when you're eliminating fraud and abuse and waste, you're actually not cutting the programs," said Yuma County Recorder David Lara. "You're only making it more efficient. You're taking that money to where the people actually need it."

Lara also defended the tax breaks that Democrats are criticizing, saying those policies have long had bipartisan roots.

"When Trump had a debate with Hillary Clinton, the tax breaks that have been on the books for many, many years were tax breaks by Obama and the Democrats," Lara said. "So they're just extending them. And anytime that you're able to help a business owner stay open and generate money for the economy, that's a good thing."

With the proposed budget now headed to Congress, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are bracing for a fight, especially in states like Arizona where poverty, food insecurity, and healthcare access remain major issues.

KYMA will continue to follow updates from local leaders as this proposal moves forward.