The 2025 federal budget reconciliation bill, passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law on July 4, 2025, enacts sweeping cuts to critical safety net programs including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—programs that thousands of Orange County residents rely on for basic health and nutrition.
“These cuts are deeply troubling and represent a direct threat to the well-being of our most vulnerable community members,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair Jamezetta Bedford. “Now more than ever, our commitment to serve those in need must remain steadfast. Orange County will not waver in its mission to protect and support our residents.”
Orange County is actively assessing the local implications of these federal actions and is in close coordination with state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partners to mitigate harm and continue providing essential services.
In late May, county leadership provided the Board of Commissioners with an early overview of the anticipated impacts from the federal budget, including possible disruptions to public health services, social services, housing supports, and behavioral health care.
Orange County anticipates further developments at the state level, including potential actions by Governor Josh Stein, the NC Department of Health and Human Services and North Carolina General Assembly to address funding gaps or policy changes in response to federal reductions. County leaders will continue to monitor the situation and will provide the public with updates as new information becomes available.
For ongoing updates and to access a public dashboard showing federal and state funding impacts, please visit www.orangecountync.gov.