This very difficult year started off with the most destructive wildfires in the region’s history, followed by disturbing raids on immigrant communities that have sown fear in families and neighborhoods. Now, our communities must also deal with the looming impacts of H.R. 1, commonly known as the “Big Beautiful Bill, which will gut the safety net on which so many depend.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), 19.9 percent of the County’s population of 10 million individuals live in poverty and another estimated 20 percent are considered working poor.  PPIC estimates that without a safety net of critical services, poverty rates could rise to close to 30 percent. 

As an organization that focuses on poverty, we know that the face of poverty has changed over the years and that there is little understanding of the realities that families face. First, most families in poverty are working and have income – many have multiple jobs to make ends meet.  Second, social safety net programs keep many families out of poverty, especially children. With rising rents that consume the majority of a family’s income, access to food through CalFresh, access to healthcare through Medicaid, and access to programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit are critical to saving families from impossible choices and providing some financial stability.

What’s at stake with this bill? 

It Takes Food Away from Children and Working Families

The bill slashes CalFresh—the federal food assistance program that helps families put meals on the table.

In Los Angeles alone:

  • Approximately 500,000 households depend on CalFresh.

Without it, families will have to choose between paying rent and feeding themselves or feeding their children. No family should have to make that choice.

It Strips Away Health Care from Millions Who Need It Most

Medicaid cuts in the bill would leave millions without access to essential and emergency care.

Here’s what’s at stake:

  • 3.9 million Los Angeles residents rely on Medicaid today – that’s close to 40 percent of our population.

It Eliminates Tax Credits for Hard-Working Families who contribute to our Economy  

The bill eliminates the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for families who file taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

These families:

  • Pay federal, state, and local taxes, contributing billions to our economy.
  • Are often essential workers, caregivers, and the backbone of our communities.

This bill isn’t about numbers or sides—it’s about people, and the people in the place we call home. It’s about whether we believe that every child deserves food, every senior deserves care, and every working family deserves a shot at financial stability. In the coming months and years, we will see the full impact of this Bill on our communities and our nation, and we will need each other.

While the divisiveness in our country can feel paralyzing and insurmountable, now Is the time to stand together.  At United Way, we have always been about working across sectors and joining individuals to create impact. Time and time again, you have mobilized with us to create lasting change and to focus on what unites us — a shared vision where everyone thrives and has their pathway from poverty to prosperity.  Your advocacy, giving and volunteerism is more important than ever.  So, let’s make sure we are checking in on each other.  Let’s continue to show up, speak out, and stand united because we know united is the way.