Access to social supports is essential to health and economic mobility—and this week, much of that access is at risk. As a national coalition dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by a conviction history, it is more important than ever to understand the current proposed cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid. These programs are not just safety nets—they are essential lifelines for the communities we serve. And final decisions on funding are being made in the coming days.
Nutrition Assistance: A Critical Support for Reentry
Access to proper nutrition through SNAP plays a pivotal role in alleviating food insecurity among low-income individuals, including those recently released from incarceration. As people impacted by a conviction history, we know firsthand that access to SNAP benefits significantly reduces the depth and severity of poverty, particularly among children and families facing economic hardships. However, proposed changes could undermine this support. We’ve already called for strong support of SNAP-related bills like the RESTORE Act and the Training Nutrition Stability Act. But even if they pass, proposed federal cuts and cost-shifting to states could still jeopardize access for millions.Interested in learning more? Check out the resources below from the Food Research Action Center, the Urban Institute, and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
FRAC: Historic SNAP Cuts Threaten Families, States, and the Future of Food Assistance
Urban Institute SNAP State Tool
Medicaid: Essential Healthcare Access
For individuals recently released from incarceration, access to healthcare is crucial for recovery and reintegration into society. That’s why the JustUS Coordinating Council continues to champion continuity of care through both the Due Process Continuity of Care Act and the Reentry Act of 2025. While great progress has also been made with implementation of 1115 Medicaid Reentry Waivers, proposed policy changes are projected to cause major harm. Medicaid ensures access to mental health care, substance use treatment, and preventive services—all critical for successful reentry.
Proposed cuts to Medicaid (totalling billions of dollars) could result in loss of coverage to millions, including those returning from incarceration. In addition to people reentering from incarceration, The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities projects that over 300,000 children could lose Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage within a decade if such cuts are implemented. These programs are essential to public health but current policy priorities are focused on balancing a budget that does not prioritize access to health and nutrition. It is time to lift our collective voices to ensure social supports are not dismantled for years to come.
The Opportunity
These proposed cuts are more than decisions about money—they are powerful policy choices that will increase poverty, hunger, and health disparities among the most vulnerable populations. As a coalition committed to smart policy and economic mobility, NOW is the time to advocate for the preservation and expansion of SNAP and Medicaid. Our collective voice can shape decisions and ensure that people reentering society get the support needed for economic mobility and reintegration.
Not sure where to start? Explore the JustUS Coordinating Council’s new toolkit, Tools of the Game to learn how policy gets made—and how you can help shape it. You can also use the Congress.gov directory to find your Congressional lawmakers. The House plans to push for passage of these policies within the next week – it’s time to tap in.
Because the time to protect what matters isn’t later. It’s right now.