MIAMI, FL — Former President Donald Trump’s proposed “Big, Beautiful Bill” — a sweeping federal budget overhaul — could profoundly impact thousands of low-income families in Miami-Dade County, where nearly one in four households currently rely on programs like SNAP (food assistance) and Medicaid.
The bill, officially titled the American Prosperity and Responsibility Act, seeks to reduce federal spending by over $4 trillion over the next decade. To achieve this, it proposes substantial cuts to safety-net programs, tighter work requirements, and a transfer of more funding responsibilities to state governments.
Under the proposed plan:
Medicaid eligibility would be narrowed, especially for childless adults.
SNAP benefits would come with stricter work and verification requirements.
States must shoulder 5% to 15% more of Medicaid and food assistance costs.
While Trump and supporters describe the bill as a “return to fiscal responsibility,” many local leaders and public health experts in Miami view it as a direct threat to vulnerable populations, especially in communities already struggling with rising rents, heat-driven utility costs, and access to affordable healthcare.
“This bill essentially punishes the working poor,” said Dr. Lissette Jiménez, a public health policy analyst at Florida International University. “In Miami-Dade, we have a huge population of service workers who rely on these programs to feed their families and access healthcare. Taking that away would create a humanitarian crisis.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has so far not commented publicly on how the state would handle the additional financial burden, should the bill pass. However, local officials in Miami-Dade are already preparing contingency plans, anticipating a rise in demand for food banks, free clinics, and emergency housing assistance.
Community organizations such as Feeding South Florida and the Miami Foundation have voiced concern over the potential increase in food insecurity and health disparities, especially among immigrant families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Meanwhile, advocates of the bill, including several members of Florida’s congressional delegation, argue that the reforms will “encourage independence, reduce fraud, and cut wasteful government spending.”
Still, the timing of the bill raises political and ethical questions. It comes just ahead of hurricane season, amid rising costs of living, and while public health systems remain under pressure from climate-related challenges.
Public hearings are expected later this month, with national and local advocacy groups preparing to testify.
Back