DENVER — President Donald Trump’s budget proposal is just that — a proposal. But it does give insight into what the White House prioritizes.
Here are some of the winners and losers
Veterans and current military
Rating: Winner
Reason: Trump’s budget proposal gives active military a raise of anywhere between $50 to $115 a month. It increases overall spending by 10 percent and dedicates more than $4 billion in new revenue to help veterans get care
Working Poor
Rating: Loser
Reason: The president’s budget slashes food stamps by $192 billion, cuts Medicaid by more than $600 billion and reduces the Children’s Health Insurance Program by $5.8 billion.
“It’s really a roller coaster — not knowing how I am going to get by,” Medicaid user Reyna Ulibarri said.
Environmentalists
Rating: Loser
Reason: The budget slashes the budget by more than 30 percent. It almost certainly means a loss in jobs. It is unclear if layoffs will take place in Denver’s Environmental Protection Agency office.
“Environmental enforcement is slated to be slashed a whole quarter — 25 percent. That’s taking environmental cops off the beat,” said Jessica Goad with Conservation Colorado.
Federal student loan users
Rating: Loser
Reason: The budget eliminates subsidies on interest for low-income students while also eliminating debt forgiveness for public service.
Future parents
Rating: Winner
Reason: The Trump administration has proposed a family leave plan — allowing moms and dads of new children to take time off from work.