Editor, Gazette-Journal:

President Trump has signed his One Big Beautiful Bill; it is now law. However, Democrats continue to concoct every lie and scare tactic to misrepresent the bill’s purpose.

As reported by the July 3 Wall Street Journal, the most egregious Democratic claim, “People will die!,” was repeated over 1,000 times in the last six months. Local comments, while less dramatic, are nonetheless every bit as misleading.

Contrary to Democrat rhetoric, the bill delivers substantial savings by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse that currently exist in these federal programs. For example, taxpayers will no longer foot the bill for:

—Illegal aliens accessing Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, and many other programs, such as Head Start.

—Able-bodied adults without younger dependents who do not work. Working about 20 hours per week, enrolling in education or training programs, or participating in volunteer work will meet this requirement. Benefits continue for short-term gaps in eligibility.

—States with high improper payments, such as ignoring the work requirements, which are now covered 100 percent by federal taxpayers.

The Bill offers substantial benefits for working Americans. For example:

—Delivers permanent tax cuts for low- and middle-income families, including no tax on tips and overtime.

—Strengthens Medicaid for those who rely on it, including pregnant women, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.

—Protections for rural hospitals and targeted funds for rural care, and giving states flexibility to support local providers.

—Supports small businesses, farmers, and retailers through many actions, including permanent tax reductions, accelerated expense deduction, and overhauling the ‘death tax.’

Under President Trump’s leadership, the integrity of support programs is strengthened, redirecting resources toward vulnerable citizens. As the July 4 Journal now reports, “No one is ‘gutting’ the safety net.” This is the most pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family legislation ever crafted.

Ron Benson
Merry Point, Va.