Lawmakers must act to protect and strengthen investments across the full continuum of care
Seattle, WA, April 8, 2026 - Lifelong, a leading community health organization on a mission to make health and food accessible, is deeply troubled by the President’s fiscal year 2027 (FY27) discretionary budget. The proposal targets the critical work of organizations with a history of supporting marginalized communities and places significant pressure on key programs that people rely on to meet their basic needs.
“Programs that the President proposes to cut in his FY27 budget are often the difference between stability and crisis for the communities we serve across Washington State,” said Lifelong CEO James Shackelford. “Unfortunately, this proposal is reflective of the administration’s priorities. Even the possibility of such reductions creates uncertainty that directly impacts people’s ability to stay housed, access food, and remain engaged in lifesaving care.”
Across Washington state, Lifelong works with people navigating the intersecting challenges of health, housing instability, food insecurity, aging, and disability. Federal investments in these areas form the foundation that allows people to stay well. When that foundation is weakened, the consequences are immediate and compounding. People miss medical appointments because they lose housing. They struggle to adhere to treatment because they lack reliable access to food. Providers are forced to stretch already limited resources to meet growing needs. If the cuts outlined in the President’s budget move forward, those challenges will only intensify and will impact all people regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, level of health, income, race or ethnicity.
“Access to health care, food, and housing should not depend on your background or your resources,” said Shackelford. “At Lifelong, we believe health and food are human rights and we know these systems work together to keep people healthy. When one is weakened, the entire system and the health of our communities are put at risk.”
As FY27 budget negotiations take place, Lifelong stands with our peers targeted in the proposed budget and urges policymakers to protect and strengthen investments across the full continuum of care—from prevention and treatment to housing and nutrition—so that individuals, families, and communities can live with dignity, stability, and health.
