Latino Families in California Face Major Risks Under New Trump-Backed Bill Targeting Medicaid, SNAP, and Senior Benefits
As lawmakers in Washington prepare to vote on a sweeping new bill backed by former President Donald Trump, Latino communities in California—particularly in cities like Los Angeles—could face devastating impacts to health care, food access, and vital tax benefits.
The proposed legislation, scheduled for a House vote this week, includes massive cuts to Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance), along with controversial tax changes. Advocates warn it would disproportionately harm low-income families, seniors, and immigrants—many of whom are Latino and already struggling to keep up with California’s high cost of living.
One of the most alarming changes in the bill is to Medicaid, the public health insurance program that covers more than 15 million Californians, including millions of Latinos.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill could push 7.6 million people off Medicaid nationwide by adding new work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks. Many of those affected could live in Los Angeles, where many residents are on Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid), and where Latinos make up 49% of the population.
Dr. Ilan Shapiro, a public health expert in Southern California, warns that “cutting Medicaid access in areas like L.A. is a direct attack on the health and well-being of working Latino families and immigrant communities.”
The bill also seeks to bar Medicaid funding to clinics that offer abortion services, such as Planned Parenthood, which many low-income women rely on for cancer screenings and prenatal care.
The legislation also proposes dramatic changes to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which provides food aid to over 4 million Californians, including hundreds of thousands in Los Angeles County.
Key changes include:
- Raising the age for work requirements to 55–64.
- Restricting benefits to only citizens and lawful permanent residents, excluding many immigrants.
- Preventing future presidents from expanding SNAP without congressional approval.
These restrictions could result in tens of thousands of Latino seniors and immigrants losing access to food assistance, even in areas already struggling with food deserts and rising grocery prices.
In Boyle Heights, South L.A., and parts of the San Fernando Valley—where food insecurity remains high—local advocates are bracing for increased demand on community food banks.
Senior Tax Breaks Help, but May Not Be Enough
The bill includes a provision that allows people 65 and older earning under $75,000 to deduct an additional $4,000 from their federal income taxes. While this might offer some relief to Latino seniors on fixed incomes, the gains could be offset by cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, which many depend on more heavily.
“Tax breaks are helpful, but they won’t matter if our abuelos can’t afford groceries or lose their doctor,” said Maria Hernandez, a senior care advocate in East L.A. “We need a full safety net, not just a tax write-off.”
The bill also proposes making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, at an estimated cost of $2 trillion over 10 years. While this would extend temporary tax reductions for many, the largest benefits go to high-income earners, not working-class Californians.
Latino workers in service, hospitality, and gig industries—many of whom live paycheck to paycheck—stand to gain little. And undocumented workers, who pay billions in taxes annually, would be barred from accessing new deductions, like tax breaks on tips and overtime, unless they provide a valid Social Security number.
California Latino lawmakers and organizations such as CHIRLA, Mi Familia Vota, and the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California have come out strongly against the bill.
“This proposal is out of touch with the reality of Latino families in Los Angeles,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles). “It cuts health care and food aid while giving handouts to billionaires. We cannot let this pass without a fight.”
If you’re concerned about these proposed changes, here are steps you can take:
- Contact your local representative: Let them know how Medicaid, SNAP, or tax deductions impact your family.
- Join community forums or webinars hosted by local advocacy groups.
- Check your benefits eligibility now and prepare for potential changes later this year.
- Spread the word in your neighborhood, especially among Spanish-speaking elders who may not hear about the bill through traditional news sources.
This bill has the potential to reshape critical safety-net programs that millions of Latino Californians rely on. As the vote nears, communities in Los Angeles and beyond must stay informed, engaged, and ready to speak up.
