$1 Trillion Cuts: What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Texas Families on SNAP/Medicaid

According to KXAN, the conversation in Congress is ongoing. The debate centers around Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” also known as OBBBA. The bill addresses domestic policy issues, including a tax extension. The White House has emphasized potential savings for American taxpayers and reductions in government spending. However, it has been acknowledged that Democrats are seriously concerned about the proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. They are seeking clarity on what those changes might entail for Texas.

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Cost Shift to Texas? States May Pay More for SNAP & Medicaid Under New Bill

Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy for the Economic Policy Group at the Groundwork Collaborative, warned that unexpected costs could put some states—such as Texas—in difficult financial positions. Jacquez explained that these changes could harm beneficiaries because states may not have the budget flexibility to absorb hundreds of millions of dollars in new SNAP spending.

Decoding the "One Big Beautiful Bill": Texas's Future for SNAP & Medicaid

He also noted the uncertainty states face: “If they don’t know whether they’re going to be responsible for 5% next year, 10% the year after that, and 15% the year after that, it makes it incredibly difficult to budget.”Proposed changes to Medicaid in Texas have also caused concern among current recipients. The bill, designed for low-income individuals, includes a new requirement: Medicaid recipients would need to be employed to receive benefits. The only exception would be for individuals caring for children with disabilities. This requirement could potentially place many Texans in an unpredictable and precarious situation.