LANSING, Mich. — Democratic leaders are pushing nationwide to rally voters around opposition to the newly passed federal budget act, calling it a “betrayal” of working families and rural communities.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said the legislation, backed exclusively by Republicans in both chambers of Congress, will strip away key safety net programs while delivering tax cuts for the wealthy.
“This isn’t just bad policy—it’s immoral,” Martin said. “When you take food from starving children, kick seniors out of nursing homes, and close rural hospitals, you’re turning your back on who we are as a country.”
According to Martin, the impacts of the act will be felt severely in Michigan. He said Congressional analysis showed the budget could result in more than 453,000 Michiganders losing health insurance, 123,000 losing food assistance, and nearly 270,000 losing jobs. He also warned that at least four rural hospitals in Michigan are at risk of closing under the plan.
The Democratic Party plans to make the bill a centerpiece of its 2026 campaign strategy, aiming to regain control of the Senate and expand its presence in the House.
“There’s no doubt this is one of the most unpopular pieces of legislation in decades,” Martin said. “We’re going to make sure every voter knows exactly who’s responsible, and we’re going to hold Republicans accountable at the ballot box.”
Martin also emphasized the personal stakes, recounting his own upbringing dependent on Medicaid and food assistance programs. “I’m here today because someone gave a damn,” he said. “We can’t take the ladder of opportunity away from the next generation.”
WZMQ 19 News reached out to both the Michigan Republican Party and the Republican National Committee for comment on the budget bill. As of publication, neither has responded.
