Governors Warn Federal Spending Bill Will Harm States, Threaten Social Programs

Several state governors and lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to President Trump's proposed "One Big Beautiful Bill," criticizing the significant cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that would strain state budgets and harm vulnerable populations. Maryland Governor Wes Moore called the bill an "assault on the American people" and warned states like Maryland lack the resources to fill the resulting funding gaps. Similarly, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly expressed concerns that her state would have to reduce services and modify programs due to decreased federal revenues, while Republican Senate President Ty Masterson defended the bill as a measure to eliminate fraud. Massachusetts Democrats condemned the bill for extending tax breaks for the wealthy while causing millions to lose health coverage and SNAP benefits, with Representative Jim McGovern calling it "devastating." Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs warned the cuts would be devastating for Arizonans, especially in rural areas, and said the state does not have the capacity to mitigate these impacts, raising concerns about potential hospital closures. Overall, the bill's prospects have sparked bipartisan debate about its fiscal and social consequences at the state level.