Benjamin Orr

New USDA data show 2.5 million fewer people participated in SNAP in December compared to July, when the Republican megabill (H.R. 1) enacted the deepest SNAP cuts in history. This is only the beginning — even more people will lose SNAP as the full brunt of these cuts take effect.

Official CBO analysis confirms the obvious: House Republican tax and budget bill isn't shared sacrifice. It makes poor people poorer and rich people richer. It does this by cutting health care & nutrition to help finance tax cuts skewed to the wealthy.

Hundreds of thousands of Marylanders would be at risk of losing health coverage and states would face billions in new costs under proposed massive cuts to Medicaid now under consideration in Congress. Maryland can't afford this massive step back. mdeconomy.org/a-step-forward…

Some lawmakers in Congress are pushing huge cuts to food assistance that would force states to cover 10% or more of the cost. These proposals would also make it harder for Marylanders to afford food and harm local businesses and communities. mdeconomy.org/congressional-…

NEW: Under one Republican proposal to expand SNAP's existing work requirement, 6 million adults would be at risk of losing #SNAP. Almost 11 million people, including 4 million kids, live in households that could lose some amount of food assistance. State & district data in link⤵️

Our paper shows how much your state could owe under proposals to impose a % of SNAP food benefit costs on state budgets for the first time — and explains why doing so would likely force states to slash food assistance for low-income families. cbpp.org/research/food-…

“Our society does better when its members are healthy. The idea that we’re going to deny health coverage to 100,000 Marylanders or more is counterproductive to a healthy, prosperous society.” - MDCEP President & CEO Benjamin Orr marylandmatters.org/2025/04/18/rep…

Ending Direct File is another gift from the Trump admin to corporations, this time to a multibillion-dollar industry that has lobbied for years to prevent the IRS from providing free tax filing. Destroying public services to ramp up private profits. apnews.com/article/irs-di…

Maryland legislators are wrapping up the state budget this week. The Policy Lowdown spoke with members of the budget committees about how they bring their communities' perspective into the process. Listen on our website and on all major podcast platforms. mdeconomy.org/news-events/po…

Under the proposed budget framework passed by the House of Delegates, 94% of MDers will see a tax cut or no change in taxes! Only the wealthiest 6% will see an increase-it's important they pay what they owe. Tell lawmakers: Get this across the finish line! fairsharemaryland.org/take-action/

@mdeconomy @TCIFiscal Read the full statement: dcfpi.org/press-releases…

@mdeconomy @TCIFiscal “We stand in solidarity with the residents of DC who don’t deserve these targeted attacks on their well-being or their autonomy, and they should be allowed to spend their own tax dollars the way they choose.” @mdeconomy

We are in Annapolis today in strong support of HB 1014. Our communities are stronger when everyone has what they need.

Today there is a major bill hearing on proposed cuts and changes to education funding. Learn more about what Gov. Moore's budget proposes and how it will affect Md. students in the latest episode of our podcast. mdeconomy.org/news-events/po…

With more delays Maryland will fall behind other states that already have or are implementing paid leave, including our neighbors in Delaware. This hurts families and our economy and makes our state less competitive.

Marylanders need #TimeToCareMD and #PaidLeave now care for themselves and loved ones in the best and worst of times. No more delays! @ClarenceLamMD @PamBeidle @AntonioHayes40 @SenatorEllis28 @SenatorDawnGile @GovWesMoore @IamWesMoore #PaidLeave #mdga25 #mdpolitics

Analysis of Gov. Moore’s tax plan from @iteptweets : “The wealthiest 1 percent of Maryland taxpayers are currently the least-taxed income group in the state. This plan asks more of those at the top.” itep.org/maryland-gov-w…

Gov. Moore says his budget will include $2B in cuts to state programs and services. MDCEP will be digging in to what these changes will mean for Maryland families and communities. Learn more about what we’re finding at our webinar Jan. 24 us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

With the upcoming shifts in the federal landscape, MDCEP is ready to make the case for the investments Maryland’s families need. In the final hours of 2024, will you help close our fundraising gap so we can expand opportunities to all Marylanders? mdeconomy.org/donate

Building an equitable, prosperous Maryland in 2025 is possible. If you’re able, make an investment in justice and opportunity for all Marylanders in 2025 and beyond. mdeconomy.org/donate