MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA — A small coalition of Alabama clergy gathered outside the Montgomery federal courthouse Monday to protest cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), urging U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville to restore benefits threatened under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Organized as part of the “Moral Mondays” movement by Repairers of the Breach, the demonstration was led by Rev. Carolyn Foster of Greater Birmingham Ministries.
Foster said clergy members have repeatedly sought meetings with the senators to discuss the impact of the new policies. She argued that OBBBA’s cuts represent “policy violence,” a term she used to describe legislation that harms vulnerable communities. Alabama enrolled more than 1 million residents in Medicaid as of 2022, including children, seniors and people with disabilities.
Approximately 726,000 Alabamians currently receive SNAP assistance, according to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Organizers warned that newly imposed work requirements—mandating 80 hours per month for able-bodied adults without dependents—could push thousands off the rolls. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that 137,000 people in Alabama alone may lose SNAP benefits as a result.
Clergy also noted that local food ministries are already strained. Greater Birmingham Ministries reported turning away about 70 people during its Oct. 28 food distribution, even before SNAP suspensions earlier this month.
Organizers emphasized that despite the end of the 43-day federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits remain at risk, placing additional pressure on low-income families statewide.
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