#United States #New York #Health Insurance #Worker Safety #Federal Deregulation

The Impact of Federal Deregulation on American Workers

In a startling report by Abstract titled "The Great Dismantling," it was revealed that the first year of the second Trump administration led to an unprecedented reduction in federal regulatory authority, particularly affecting the safety and welfare of millions of Americans. The regulatory changes have shifted the burden of risk from government entities directly onto households, communities, and businesses. The report highlights the extensive implications of these cuts across various sectors, essentially reaching around 40 million Americans.

The modifications included significant deregulation in finance, healthcare, energy, housing, chemicals, and labor. Among those affected, 36 million workers were stripped of federal heat protections, leaving them vulnerable to extreme temperatures without adequate safeguards. This is especially alarming as 255 million Americans experienced life-threatening triple-digit temperatures in recent years. The report notes that deregulation also resulted in the cancellation of critical health and safety regulations, leaving many unprotected from potential workplace hazards.

Additionally, the health insurance landscape has drastically changed, as 4.8 million Americans lost their health coverage after the expiration of Enhanced ACA subsidies. Premiums soared exorbitantly by 114%, making health insurance unaffordable for many families. The consequences of these deregulations are monumental—short-term insurance plans now inadequately cover essential services, leaving vast gaps in healthcare accessibility.

Financially, the deregulation initiative appeared to deliver instant rewards to various industries, with businesses gaining around $1.5 trillion through stock buybacks alone. However, these immediate gains came at a steep cost to public health and safety. Notably, the effects of PFAS contamination now reach 172 million individuals in the U.S., while essential support programs, including 83% of USAID's initiatives, have been terminated, signaling a significant rollback in international development assistance.

The report compiles insights from Abstract's AI-driven legislative intelligence platform which monitored policy changes across all federal and state levels throughout 2025. Findings revealed a dramatic increase in financial gains for the industry, but harsher realities for workers and families left without protections. For instance, while ExxonMobil boasted record production numbers, the deteriorating climate policy has positioned the U.S. as less of a credible force in global negotiations, especially regarding liquefied natural gas exports.

Key Findings of the Report

1. Healthcare: The cessation of Enhanced ACA subsidies resulted in an immediate healthcare crisis, with millions unable to afford the rising costs associated with their insurance. Those relying on short-term plans are left inadequately protected against serious health needs.

2. International Development: A staggering number of USAID programs were scrapped, with job losses reaching into the hundreds of thousands. Future projections anticipate a jump in illnesses like malaria, coupled with critical vaccinations missed by millions of children.

3. Labor and Workplace Safety: Critical federal standards on workplace safety were halted, risking the lives of millions of workers in high-temperature environments. The disturbance of traditional labor protections has spawned a patchwork of state-level responses, making compliance more complex for businesses.

4. Chemicals and Manufacturing: With delayed reporting on PFAS, contaminations worsened across water systems, leaving many Americans standing without robust protections from harmful chemicals infiltrating their households.

The intricate interlinking of deregulation outcomes showcases a stark depiction of the modern-day complexities American workers face. As states strive to fill the gaps left by federal fallout, it becomes evident that the health and welfare of millions hinge on local legislation, often creating a patchwork of protections that is inconsistent across the nation. The full report is accessible online, and it outlines a detailed pathway for businesses and policymakers to follow as they navigate the murky waters of deregulation.

As we move forward into the end of the decade, it remains crucial to reassess the values inherent in workplace protections and the obligations to safeguard citizen health through the proper implementation of regulatory measures. The implications laid out in the report inform us not only of the immediate challenges but also set the stage for future reforms aimed at restoring balance and safety in everyday American lives.