In Case You Missed It. . .

| By CBPP

This week at CBPP, we focused on the federal budget, Social Security, the economy, federal taxes, state budgets and taxes, and health.

On the federal budget, we released a statement by CBPP President Sharon Parrott on how the newly passed House budget resolution would raise costs for millions of families, amid rising recession risks and tariff price hikes.
On Social Security, Kathleen Romig emphasized that abruptly eliminating Social Security phone services threatens access to benefits. Claire Zippel and Devin O’Connor released an interactive map detailing that such a restriction would force 6 million seniors to drive over 45 miles to access critical Social Security services.
On the economy, Gbenga Ajilore explained why Trump’s 2017 tax law did not boost the economy, despite such claims. We also updated our backgrounder on how many weeks of unemployment compensation are available per state.
On federal taxes, Josephine Cureton looked ahead to Tax Day by highlighting the need for Congress to reject DOGE-led cuts to the IRS workforce.
On state budgets and taxes, Wesley Tharpe warned policymakers that shifting federal costs for food assistance, health care, and other priorities to states would cause widespread harm.
On health, Symonne Singleton emphasized the need for accountability in using artificial intelligence in state programs, given President Trump’s executive order revoking guardrails for implementation. Elizabeth Zhang examined the demographics of over 1.5 million uninsured adults who are stuck in the Medicaid coverage gap.
We also updated our resource tracking harmful executive actions with entries on the Trump Administration’s cuts to veteran service providers and SNAP research.

Chart of the Week — In 35 States, More Than 10% of Seniors Must Travel Over 45 Miles to Access Their Nearest Social Security Field Office

In 35 States, More Than 10% of Seniors Must Travel Over 45 Miles to Access Their Nearest Social Security Field Office

Percent of seniors who must make more than a 45-mile trip

A more detailed analysis is available here.

Note: Distances are straight-line round-trip travel to the nearest field office.

Sources: 2022 National Household Travel Survey; Social Security Administration; 2023 American Community Survey.

The Center was active on social media this week. Here are some of our posts:

Sharon Parrott posted on X and Bluesky about how House conservatives are choosing the wrong reasons to oppose the Senate budget resolution advancing the Trump Administration's agenda.
Gbenga Ajilore posted on X and Bluesky addressing false claims by Trump’s Council of Economic Advisers that the 2017 tax law boosted the economy and reduced poverty.
Kathleen Romig posted on Bluesky about how the Trump Administration’s gutting of Social Security’s customer service operations threatens access for millions of beneficiaries.

A variety of news outlets featured CBPP’s work and experts this past week. Here are some of the highlights:

Lawmakers could repeal SNAP provision that protects benefits for working families
WUSF
April 11, 2025

House Republicans approve far-right budget blueprint to advance Trump’s agenda
MSNBC
April 10, 2025

Mike Johnson Reveals His Disastrous Plans for Medicaid
The New Republic
April 10, 2025

Trump administration rescinds Social Security in-person requirements
NPR
April 10, 2025

Social Security abandons phone service cuts after backlash
Reuters
April 9, 2025

As Social Security services are cut back, millions of seniors face long drives
Axios
April 8, 2025

The Social Security Administration Has Been Changing. Here’s What to Know.
New York Times
April 8, 2025

Milwaukee renters using Section 8 housing vouchers still face discrimination, report finds
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
April 7, 2025

Trump’s Tariffs Raise Tax-Cut Stakes With Recession Fears Rising
Bloomberg
April 7, 2025

The workers most at risk of being laid off now that the U.S. economy has slowed
MarketWatch
April 4, 2025

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