Programs

Why These Support Programs Matter

For people like me and many others in our community, SSI, SNAP, LIHEAP, and affordable housing are not just lifelines — they are essential for survival.

I’ve been disabled my entire life and physically disabled since 1989, though I didn’t fully realize it until 2015. Before that, I worked tirelessly, my earliest days behind a customer service counter at a flower shop, then, starting at 15 ‘legally’ (paying taxes), first in family businesses and then as a caregiver for over 25 years (and more).

Now, SSI is my only income, and without it, I would have nothing. The support I get through programs like LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), SNAP, and affordable housing is the difference between survival and not making it through the month. If any of these programs were reduced or cut, like some are being threatened with, my ability to pay bills, heat my apartment, or feed myself would be in jeopardy. When I tell you, I don’t ALREADY run my heat or air unless it’s health cost-inducing critical for me — has yet to turn my heater on this last 2 seasons, used my AC ONCE during the heat wave(s) we had — these programs are CRITICAL.

I’d also like to share that I am deeply grateful for the programs that do exist, and for every person working hard and paying taxes that make these supports possible. These programs are my only source of support, and without them, I wouldn’t survive. Full stop, I will not go back to previous circumstances to ‘keep safe’. Programs like SSI, SNAP, LIHEAP, and affordable housing are not luxuries — they are critical to ensuring people like me and many others who are disabled, elderly, or facing financial hardship can meet basic needs. I see every tax dollar as a lifeline, and I am thankful for those who contribute to the system that helps me and others like me.

How Much Does This Cost the Average Taxpayer?

I was concerned about the cost to taxpayers too, and I want to break it down so you can see the numbers clearly too. Below are the details based on the average taxpayer earning $60,000 annually, which reflects the median household income in Yamhill County, Oregon. This will give you a better sense of the financial contribution necessary to fund essential programs like SNAP and LIHEAP, which help people make it through the month.

The average cost per taxpayer to fund essential programs like SNAP and LIHEAP is about $43.95 every two weeks, or approximately $1,140 annually. This is the amount that goes towards funding these programs. While this may not seem like a lot to some, it plays a crucial role in supporting people who rely on these programs for basic survival.

Here’s a further breakdown:

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Average cost: $14.60 per paycheck (every two weeks).

This amounts to $379.60 per year.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Average cost: $27.50 per paycheck (every two weeks).

This amounts to $715.00 per year.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Average cost: $0.85 per paycheck (every two weeks).

This amounts to $22.10 per year.

Affordable Housing Programs

Average cost: $0.80 per paycheck (every two weeks).

This amounts to $20.80 per year.

Total Taxpayer Cost for All Programs Combined:

Cost per paycheck: $43.95

Cost per year: $1,141.50 per taxpayer.

While $43.95 per paycheck might sound like a lot, when you divide it across the millions of taxpayers, it becomes clear that the individual cost is minimal compared to the benefits these programs provide. For one year of contributions to these programs, it costs each taxpayer about $1,140 annually.

Programs Impacted by Cuts

If these programs are cut or defunded, it will have a direct impact on people who are already struggling. Here’s a quick look at how these programs work and who depends on them:

SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who are disabled, elderly, or blind. Many of us on SSI have no other income.

LIHEAP: Helps people pay their heating and cooling bills, keeping families safe during extreme weather.

SNAP: Provides food assistance for low-income individuals and families. This program is crucial for people who are unable to work and don’t have other sources of food.

Affordable Housing: Programs like HUD and rural tax credits help those of us with low incomes stay housed. Without these programs, many would be forced into homelessness.

The Importance of These Programs

When we look at the cost, it’s important to understand what we’re investing in. These programs ensure survival for the most vulnerable in our society, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and those facing financial hardship. They help millions of Americans, and without them, many would face extreme hardship. The $43.95 per paycheck ($1,141.50 per year) is a small price to pay to ensure that everyone in our community, especially those who are most vulnerable, has access to basic needs such as food, energy assistance, and housing. Without these programs, many people simply could not survive.

How Many People in Yamhill County Are Affected?

In Yamhill County, many people depend on these programs, especially seniors and people with disabilities. Cutting these programs would affect a significant portion of the population, including those who rely on them to stay housed, fed, and warm.

According to the National Council on Aging, more than 50% of seniors rely on these programs to avoid poverty. For people with disabilities, these programs are essential — without them, many of us would face dire consequences.

Why These Programs Matter

Some people argue that programs like SSI and SNAP are “handouts,” but I believe these are lifelines, not charity. Disability can happen to anyone — tonight, tomorrow, or in the years to come. Age catches up with all of us, and some of us find ourselves in situations where we can no longer work.

We need empathy and understanding. I’m not asking for sympathy but for recognition that the programs we rely on are necessary. The small amount that taxpayers contribute — about $43.95 every two weeks — is essential for helping people like me survive.

Acknowledging System Flaws While Supporting the Vulnerable

I want to acknowledge that there are instances where government programs are mismanaged or where some people game the system. I’m aware that fraud and abuse of these programs happen, and it’s frustrating to see that. However, cutting these programs will not solve those problems. Instead, it will punish the people who rely on them the most — those of us who genuinely need help and follow the rules.

The reality is that most people who depend on SSI, SNAP, LIHEAP, and affordable housing programs are not gaming the system. We are disabled, elderly, and low-income, doing our best to survive in a society that often overlooks us. When the funding for these programs is cut, it’s not the fraudulent cases that will be most affected — it will be people like me and many others who truly need these lifelines to get by.

While I understand the need for accountability and improvement within these programs, I’m also open to rethinking how we run them. I believe that compassionate safety nets, whether through communal, local, or government structures, should come first — so that we don’t fall through more cracks. Before cuts are made, we must ensure that the vulnerable are protected and that a system of support remains in place. There is no easy fix, but whatever changes are made, we need to make sure that those of us who depend on these programs don’t fall further behind.

***THIS IS CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS***

I am participating here in MN on the 17th of March for MS State Action Day. I'll be at the Capitol for the state to help advocate for bills involving items related to MS, such as health cost, not placing the cost burden on survivors, and debt relief. It should be interesting, went once and had a good time! Encourage people to help or volunteer for different National MS Society programs!

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Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks loved "Dragon Tales," "The Powerpuff Girls," and "Zoboomafoo." Her favorite character was definitely Buttercup from The Powerpuff Girls.

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