PHOENIX (AZFamily) — State lawmakers are voting on a budget proposal that could slash up to $10 million from social service programs, including food assistance, unemployment benefits and Meals on Wheels programs that serve seniors in need.
The proposed cuts come as Arizona families are already reeling from federal reductions to food assistance programs.
Around half of the Arizonans on SNAP have lost those benefits in the last year as the Trump administration enforced new work requirements and reduced the number of people who rely on the program.
Compared to July of last year, 380,000 Arizonans are no longer receiving SNAP benefits after Congress made changes to the program.
Food banks struggle to meet demand
The impact is already visible at food banks across the state.
Sean Little, who works for the Phoenix Rescue Mission, said the mission has seen a 50% increase in the number of families they serve in the past year.
“We’re seeing more and more people coming to us and accessing the food that we have,” Little said.
Long lines at the mission’s food bank reflect families struggling to put food on the table amid rising food costs, high gas prices and cuts to food assistance programs.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Little said. “There’s crisis. You know, you don’t want crisis to happen for anybody.”
Deeper cuts could put thousands more at risk
Dana Marie Kennedy, the state director for AARP Arizona, said the proposed state budget cuts could put thousands more at risk, including seniors.
“I mean, one in ten seniors is food insecure. And you see, you know, we have the fastest growing population of people becoming homeless for the very first time,” Kennedy said.
“The demand is increasing. But the funding isn’t staying up with it. And so that’s always has always has been my concern,” Kennedy said
Critics say lawmakers are pushing big tax cuts at the expense of working families and their kids.
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