Last month, in the dead of night, Republicans passed their sweeping budget proposal, and it is now moving through the Senate. Itslashes Medicaid, guts food assistance programs, and raises health care costs for working families,all whileadding trillions to the deficit to fund tax breaks for billionaires.The legislation will rip health care away from 16million Americans.
I voted ‘no’ on this cruel policy that hurts working-class families.One of the most powerful tools we have to stand against these cruel cuts is to share the real stories of people whose lives hang in the balance. So, todayI am highlighting some of the Coloradans who reached out to me, terrified of what might happen if this bill is passed into law.
Evan and Margy from Jefferson County
Margy has advanced-stage MS and requires 24/7 care, which their private insurance wouldn’t cover. Their family was pushed to the brink financially until they secured Medicaid coverage. If the Republican budget proposal becomes law, families like Evan and Margy’s could lose the critical support they need to survive. Evan shared with me that Margy inspires him every day.
Chloe from Chaffee County
This is Chloe, a twelve-year-old girl from Chaffee County who depends on Medicaid for the specialized care she needs to survive. If Republicans get their way, kids like Chloe could lose access to the support they rely on every single day. And for what? More tax breaks for those who need them least. It’s unacceptable.
Athena from Denver
This is Athena from Denver. At one of the hardest points in her life, Athena found herself unable to work, struggling to afford her medication and her doctor visits. Medicaid was the lifeline that helped Athena steady herself and begin to rebuild after struggling with her mental health. Because of Medicaid, Athena was able to access critical care, recover, and eventually return to the workforce. Today, Athena is employed at an organization that helps others navigate challenges similar to the ones she faced, and knows better than anyone that we need to strengthen Medicaid, not dismantle it, for the thousands of others who are working to rebuild their lives.
Sunny from Wheat Ridge
This is Sunny from Wheat Ridge. After losing everything in a house fire, Sunny became the sole provider for her husband and two young sons. In the face of an unthinkable situation, she turned to the programs designed to support families in situations like hers, including Medicaid and SNAP. Medicaid made it possible for her husband to receive his epilepsy treatment and ensured her son could access services through Colorado’s autism waiver program. This safety net helped her rebuild. Every family deserves that same chance.
Families across our community will struggle if we let the Republican plan move forward unchecked. No child should lose their health care, no veteran should go hungry, and no mom should be left to rebuild her life alone.
The big, ugly bill is now moving through the Senate. I will do everything in my power to fight for families like Evan and Margy’s, Chloe’s, Athena’s, Sunny’s, and yours.
