I’m deeply concerned about the impact of federal job cuts on essential services, particularly the recent cut of the office that manages LIHEAP, which supports low-income families in cold-weather states like Oregon. The loss of this program in Baker, Union and Wallowa counties could leave thousands of vulnerable people — especially children and working-class families — without access to heating assistance during harsh winters. Beyond just the immediate effects on individuals, cutting LIHEAP funding could and will strain local economies, increase emergency service demands, and contribute to higher health risks due to exposure to extreme cold.

These cuts are tied to broader efforts to shrink government spending in ways that disproportionately harm lower-income communities, especially those living in rural areas, while benefiting the wealthiest through tax breaks. Along with a GOP budget that leaves no options but to reduce, i.e, break, Medicaid by $88 billion every year, affecting 1.2 million people and Medicare, removing health care, vital medications from nearly 1 million Oregonians. The Social Security Administration is collapsing. To recap, if/when SSA is either inaccessible or not able to function, that will affect the most vulnerable citizens, leaving approximately 1.8 million people without housing, medical care, medications, SNAP & WIC programs that feed our poorest neighbors, without food; Medicaid that provides healthcare, medications and treatments, Medicare for the elderly and disabled who have paid into this system and live on their benefits. Currently I see no back up plan when nearly 41% of Oregon citizens, by 2023 numbers, will be so cruelly affected. If current behavior predicts future behavior, this current administration is on track to leave our people in the worst crisis since the Great Depression.

Jane Lemar

Baker City