Special to the News
Last Thursday, Rep. Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) issued the following statement after voting against the so-called “One, Big Beautiful Bill:”
“This bill is nothing more than a handout for the rich. Under this bill, on average, if you make $1 million, you get at least a $80,000 tax break each year. That’s nearly three times the median income in Alabama. If you make $50,000, on average, you get less than $250.
“Republicans claim they are the party of fiscal responsibility, but this bill adds trillions to our debt. If we are going to spend more money, it should be to help Americans across the country keep a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs and food on their tables. It should be to give tax breaks to teachers and school personnel, nurses, social workers, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and everyday people.
“Instead, Republicans have abandoned the people who need help the most. This bill is bad for Alabama, bad for America, and there is nothing beautiful about it.”
Rep. Figures submitted an amendment to the bill to prevent Republicans from shifting the financial burden to provide SNAP benefits to states. Under this bill, it would cost Alabama $120 million – a 30% increase – to fund SNAP, which one in four households depend on to survive. Republicans refused to consider the amendment.
