Oklahoma lawmakers, charities react to passage of ‘big, beautiful bill’
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has passed the House, prompting reactions from Oklahoma lawmakers due to its potential impact on SNAP and Medicaid.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has passed the House of Representatives and awaits the president’s signature, potentially affecting SNAP and Medicaid in Oklahoma. WATCH: Sen. James Lankford reacts to Big, Beautiful Bill passing House, Senate>> Download the KOCO 5 app | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channelThe bill, more than 860 pages long, covers various topics, including air traffic control and increased funding for border patrol and ICE agents, with significant reforms on SNAP benefits and Medicaid impacting Oklahomans.”It extends the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, secures our borders, unleashes our American energy.” She also highlighted the bill’s tax provisions, stating, “No tax on overtime, no tax on tips, and no tax on social security,” said Rep. Stephanie Bice.”This bill changes the process for states and says, ‘If you don’t check eligibility, and make sure that only eligible people are getting it, we’re going to make the state taxpayer pay a portion of this,’” said Sen. James Lankford.The bill stipulates that SNAP will continue to be fully funded by the government if states maintain an error-payment rate at or below 6 percent. If states exceed this rate, state taxpayers will contribute to the program, incentivizing states to ensure benefits are only given to those who qualify.WATCH: Oklahoma faces $225 million SNAP cost under Big Beautiful BillStacy Dykstra, Ph.D., CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, expressed concern about the potential impact of the bill, “Unfortunately, the budget reconciliation at this point looks to we lose in Oklahoma 140 million meals a year,” Dykstra said.She worries that people facing food insecurity, including hard-working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and military personnel, will struggle to receive assistance, saying, “Hard-working families, seniors on fixed incomes, our military all of a sudden are going to have that many less meals.”WATCH: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma concerned over potential SNAP cuts from Big Beautiful BillGet the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.Lankford also addressed Medicaid reforms, explaining, “If you are able-bodied, you don’t have children, and you’re getting Medicaid, just like you do on SNAP benefits or other benefits, you have to work. At least 20 hours a week — we don’t think that’s excessive. If they can’t work, they can volunteer somewhere 20 hours a week.”The bill now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk, with anticipation that he will sign it Friday.Top HeadlinesSuspect in custody after barricade situation prompts tactical team response in Warr AcresSnake on a plane delays flight in AustraliaOKC doctor accused of murdering 4-year-old daughter before placing her in Florida poolChoctaw Nation of Oklahoma cancels fireworks show after fire breaks out, 5 injuredSuspect arrested in connection with deadly shooting outside Harkins Theatre in Bricktown
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has passed the House of Representatives and awaits the president’s signature, potentially affecting SNAP and Medicaid in Oklahoma.
WATCH: Sen. James Lankford reacts to Big, Beautiful Bill passing House, Senate
>> Download the KOCO 5 app | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channel
The bill, more than 860 pages long, covers various topics, including air traffic control and increased funding for border patrol and ICE agents, with significant reforms on SNAP benefits and Medicaid impacting Oklahomans.
“It extends the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, secures our borders, unleashes our American energy.” She also highlighted the bill’s tax provisions, stating, “No tax on overtime, no tax on tips, and no tax on social security,” said Rep. Stephanie Bice.
“This bill changes the process for states and says, ‘If you don’t check eligibility, and make sure that only eligible people are getting it, we’re going to make the state taxpayer pay a portion of this,’” said Sen. James Lankford.
The bill stipulates that SNAP will continue to be fully funded by the government if states maintain an error-payment rate at or below 6 percent. If states exceed this rate, state taxpayers will contribute to the program, incentivizing states to ensure benefits are only given to those who qualify.
WATCH: Oklahoma faces $225 million SNAP cost under Big Beautiful Bill
Stacy Dykstra, Ph.D., CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, expressed concern about the potential impact of the bill, “Unfortunately, the budget reconciliation at this point looks to we lose in Oklahoma 140 million meals a year,” Dykstra said.
She worries that people facing food insecurity, including hard-working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and military personnel, will struggle to receive assistance, saying, “Hard-working families, seniors on fixed incomes, our military all of a sudden are going to have that many less meals.”
WATCH: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma concerned over potential SNAP cuts from Big Beautiful Bill
Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.
Lankford also addressed Medicaid reforms, explaining, “If you are able-bodied, you don’t have children, and you’re getting Medicaid, just like you do on SNAP benefits or other benefits, you have to work. At least 20 hours a week — we don’t think that’s excessive. If they can’t work, they can volunteer somewhere 20 hours a week.”
The bill now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk, with anticipation that he will sign it Friday.
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