On July 4, a devastating law, known as the so-called “One Big Beautiful Act,” was passed, with terrible consequences for families in Oakland and Alameda County. Budget cuts to Medicaid, Medi-Cal, SNAP, and other critical social services will leave more people uninsured, hungry, and unsafe. Over 40,000 people could lose their health insurance in the East Bay, including elderly adults, people who are low-income and veterans. Thousands of families will lose all or part of their food assistance due to new work requirements and changes in eligibility.
This law will only widen racial and economic inequities, hitting working-class families, immigrants, and communities of color hardest, while rewarding the wealthy with tax breaks they do not need and funding harmful projects like expanded border security and immigration enforcement. This law was not written to create opportunity for all Americans — it is a blatant effort to consolidate wealth and resources for the most privileged in society, at the expense of everyone else.
As this law moves to implementation, we must work with our community leaders and public officials to mitigate the harmful impact on our most vulnerable residents. We must continue to resource local movements that are fighting for community-led solutions, racial justice, and a just Oakland for All. Together, we can stand firm against racist policies and work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to dream and flourish.
In Solidarity,
The Akonadi Foundation team
