Many people are aware that federal workers are being fired and agencies are being closed. In addition, a government shutdown was just avoided at the last minute. You may have breathed a sigh of relief when the word came out that the government was funded for another six months.
But avoiding a government shutdown does not eliminate the threats to us in Cayuga County. When Elon Musk calls Social Security a "Ponzi scheme," senior citizens have to worry whether our Social Security checks are at risk. The dairy industry may lose the majority of their immigrant workforce. Local agriculture will feel the effects of Canadian tariffs on fertilizer. Nursing homes could lose Medicaid revenue, a main source of funding. Efforts to protect the Auburn water supply could be threatened. Funding for school lunch programs may disappear, likewise funding for our local libraries and museums. These are among the specific budget cuts and other actions being considered in Washington.
What benefits or services that you are entitled to might disappear? Are you or someone in your family a veteran? The VA is planning to cut 17% of its staff. What impacts do you fear on our schools, hospitals, airports and drinking water supply? How will you handle rising inflation if tariffs increase the prices of everyday items?
All who fear these attacks on our quality of life and our economy need to unite to make our concerns known. We live in a country with a two-party system of governance, but you do not need to be a Democrat to join in this fight. Moderate Republicans and Democrats, independents, conservatives and progressives, people with no party affiliation, people who hate politics — we are all affected. Call your members of Congress now and make your voices heard. And we welcome you to join us at Indivisible Cayuga.
Indivisible Cayuga is a nonpartisan group advocating for the rule of law, the protection of democratic norms, and the sanctity of our Constitution, with 220 members in Cayuga County. We invite concerned citizens of our county and nearby areas to join with us in making a call for stronger leadership in Congress. Contact us at indivisible-cayuga@twc.com or find us on Facebook.
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