Marketplace Morning Report Rural program cuts and reminders of the Great Recession
Sep 8, 2025
Recent cuts to crucial programs like SNAP and Medicaid are making life tougher for rural Americans, intensifying housing insecurity. Michelle Polizzi shares her personal experiences from the 2008 financial crisis, drawing parallels to today’s challenges. The discussion also touches on the ramifications of a recent immigration raid in Georgia, affecting South Korean workers and highlighting the delicate balance of trade relations. Important insights into how federal policies are reshaping rural economic security are also explored.
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Safety Net Cuts Amplify Housing Strain
- Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid raise day-to-day costs for rural families by shifting expenses onto individuals.
- Michelle Polizzi says reduced benefits increase pressure on rent and mortgage payments indirectly.
Section 502 Is A Key Rural Homeowner Path
- Proposed budget changes threatened direct housing supports such as the USDA Section 502 Lending Program.
- Polizzi notes Section 502 enabled over 2 million rural people to become homeowners as their primary path.
Budget Decisions Still Put Programs At Risk
- Senate action has rejected many proposed cuts but final decisions rest with Congress before October 1st.
- Polizzi warns that the budget process still poses risk to rural-support programs until finalized.