The impending presidential election is not just a political event, but a crucial moment that will determine the future of our nation and the preservation of our fundamental rights. Among the many issues at stake, the fate of disabled Americans under the potential implementation of Project 2025 is a pressing concern that demands our immediate attention. The urgency of this election cannot be overstated.
As we observe Disability Pride Month during July, it's important to recognize the potential challenges that could befall our disabled citizens if the 'Project 2025 'legislation is enacted. This legislation, if implemented, could significantly alter the landscape for disabled Americans, affecting their rights and access to crucial services. Black Discoveries describes Project 2025 as "a series of bold reforms that touches upon every aspect of government and society." Black Discoveries contends that "this project's sweeping changes threaten to undermine democratic institutions and erode the rights of minority communities."
At the 2024 BET Awards, a platform known for its celebration of black artistry, actress Taraji P. Henson made a public service announcement about the upcoming election. Taraji told the audience, 'Make sure you vote; it is very serious!' Henson said, 'Freedoms are being taken away from us.' She told Americans to wake up and 'Do the research, look up the 2025 agenda!' The actress reminded the audience, 'Next year, this time could look very different if you don't vote.' The Hollywood actress' message was so impactful that Google search results about Project 2025 skyrocketed after her PSA.
Here are some of the benefits and services that will be impacted for disabled persons upon the implementation of Project 2025:
Food Assistance
Programs such as the Thrifty Food Plan that President Biden put in place may be reversed or amended after the upcoming election. Reversing these initiatives would mean that the 'nearly 14 million people with disabilities [who] receive vital nutrition assistance through' (SNAP) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would lose access to one of the basic requirements of humanity–food (Mandelbaum Barret Law Firm). Under Project 2025, these programs could face significant budget cuts or restructuring, potentially leaving many disabled Americans without the food assistance they rely on.
Healthcare
More than 40 million Americans are disabled, and approximately 11 million receive Social Security disability benefits. Many U.S. citizens rely on Medicaid & Medicare. "In 2022, 7.7 million people under age 65 with disabilities were covered by Medicare, representing 12% of all Medicare beneficiaries" (KFF). According to Mandate for Leadership 463, Project 2025 will "reintroduce and restore regulations and demonstrations from the Trump Administration" by pushing Americans into unaffordable private healthcare alternatives.
Disabled Veterans
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, in August 2023, over 5 million veterans had a service-related disability. The same year, the unemployment rate for disabled veterans increased, especially for female vets. Nevertheless, lawmakers started generating discussions about possible budget reductions for the Department of Veterans Affairs. These changes would discontinue existing coverage.
Therefore, certain health conditions and disabilities would no longer be applicable for veterans to get assistance. For many disabled veterans, their benefits (disability compensation, automobile & clothing allowances, education assistance, housing & insurance, etc.) ensure their essential needs are met.
Democracy Forward contends, "These threats aren't hypothetical. These are their real plans." Drastic policy changes such as Project 2025 are true crimes against humanity. It is crucial that Americans stay educated and vigilant about candidates' agendas for this upcoming election. This responsibility empowers us to make informed decisions.
To find out who your locally elected officials are, click here. For a more comprehensive understanding of Project 2025 and its overall impact, check out Democracy Forward's People's Guide. Remember, your vote and advocacy can make a difference in protecting the rights and services of disabled Americans.
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