Groups speak out about federal bill that would cut healthcare and raise energy prices in West Virginia
Russell County will consider a similar resolution next week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2025
CONTACT
Dan Radmacher, dan@appvoices.org
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Next Tuesday, West Virginia groups will host an in-person press conference to speak on the negative impacts of the reconciliation bill, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
In May, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, which slashes clean energy tax credits, and access to Medicaid and nutrition benefits (and many other helpful programs) to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest people in the country. The U.S. Senate is now preparing to vote on the bill. The bill will lead to higher costs and worse health for Americans, particularly in West Virginia.
According to the Appalachian Regional Commission, 20% of people in Central Appalachia receive SNAP benefits. More than 40% of adults in Central Appalachia have health coverage through Medicaid. It would also limit access to food assistance and Medicaid healthcare for low-income people. If enacted, it would result in the cancellation of nearly 800 clean energy projects, closure of 330 clean energy factories and the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The tax credits created or enhanced by the Inflation Reduction Act have helped spur an uptick in manufacturing and installations in West Virginia. In 2024, West Virginia saw a more than 2,000% increase in the amount of solar installed in the state, compared to 2023, and federal energy incentives now at risk are predicted to support 77,400 full-time jobs in the Mountain State between 2025 and 2035, according to a recent report from Appalachian Voices.
As inflation continues and as West Virginians stare down yet another utility rate hike, now isn’t the time for legislation that raises electric bills, takes money out of West Virginians’ pockets and takes away health care and other lifesaving support.
When: Tuesday June 24, 2025, 1 p.m.
Where: West Virginia Lottery Headquarters, 900 Pennsylvania Ave, Charleston, WV 25302
This event is hosted by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, West Virginia Citizen Action Group and Appalachian Voices. Speakers from these organizations will be available for media interviews following the event.