This piece was authored by Alex Gallo, the WVCBP’s community engagement coordinator.
In recent weeks, West Virginia communities have mobilized to demand that their voices be heard as Congress considers sweeping federal budget changes that could decimate essential programs families rely on. Multiple open town hall events were held around the state during the April Congressional recess for constituents to discuss the impacts of federal budget proposals to cut Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs to pay for, in part, the cost of extending expiring tax cuts for the wealthiest households in America. While West Virginia’s members of Congress were invited to multiple events during this recess, the WVCBP is not aware of any town halls or public forums that any attended.
In the heart of southern West Virginia, McDowell County residents joined together on April 14 for a powerful community conversation titled “McDowell County Matters: Rise Up Against Federal Budget Cuts.”
Held in Welch, the event brought together dozens of residents, community leaders, and advocates to push back against federal proposals that threaten food assistance, healthcare, education, and local infrastructure. Organized by the NAACP of WV and Race Matters WV, the forum provided a space for those most impacted to speak out—and be heard.
As Vivian Anderson shared, “McDowell County is already navigating significant economic challenges. These budget cuts would pull the rug out from under families who are doing everything they can to survive and thrive.”
The numbers are staggering. More than 5,500 residents—over 1,600 of them children—rely on SNAP benefits in McDowell County alone. Medicaid is also under threat, with nearly half of the county’s population, including 75 percent of children, enrolled in the program. And in a county where 18% of the public school budget is federally funded, education is on the chopping block too. Proposals that are reportedly under consideration to cut funding for Medicaid, SNAP, and K-12 education would hit McDowell County especially hard.
In Charleston, just days later, on April 17, another public forum saw constituents echo the same concerns. Residents gathered to voice their fears that cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and other social programs would hurt the most vulnerable. One attendee told WCHS, “If they start cutting Medicaid, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I might not make it.”
During the April Congressional recess, constituents showed up and spoke out—holding elected officials accountable and demanding a budget that works for all people, not just the powerful. Events were held throughout the state- from Morgantown to Weston to Martinsburg and beyond.
And though our members of Congress declined to attend any of these town hall events (that we are aware of), residents made it clear they will continue these efforts to be heard.
“We’re not just numbers on a spreadsheet—we are people, and our voices matter,” said Clifford Curry of the NAACP-WV. “If we lose federal funding, hospitals will shut down. People will die.”
As Marcus Wilkes put it, “McDowell County already faces generational poverty and limited access to essential services. These federal budget cuts would only make life harder for families working to get by.”
More conversations and events are popping up across the state to ensure that West Virginians are seen, heard, and prioritized. We urge West Virginians to keep up the momentum and use the upcoming congressional recess, May 23–June 2, as a critical opportunity to reach out to their federal representatives and demand a fair, people-first budget. If you are interested in localized data on the potential impact of federal proposals in your community, reach out to Alex here.
