Bre Brannan

Lock Haven

The U.S. House Republican budget resolution, which passed on Feb. 25 by a narrow 217-215 vote, mandates the Energy and Commerce Committee to cut $880 billion in spending over the next 10 years. This committee is responsible for overseeing Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP health programs.

If the Republican controlled Congress honors their pledge not to reduce Medicare (the health program for people 65+), this significant budget cut targets Medicaid and CHIP almost exclusively. These federal-state programs provide essential health insurance for adults and children with limited resources, inclusive of foster kids, individuals with disabilities and over 60% of nursing home residents.

According to an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, achieving such drastic cuts would be impossible without significantly reducing Medicaid and CHIP spending (www.cbo.gov/publication/61235). These cuts would result in 15.9 million people nationwide losing their coverage, including approximately 56,000 individuals in Glenn Thompson’s PA-15 district alone. This is a $1.94 billion loss for this district. It not only disrupts healthcare for our most vulnerable community members but also poses a severe financial setback (americanprogress.org).

Critics argue that the proposed “savings” will merely fund tax cuts for billionaires, a move some describe as a reverse Robin Hood — taking from the poor to give to the rich. We urge you to contact Representative Thompson and tell him that these cuts are unacceptable for our rural communities.

In the near future, we will be organizing rallies in support of our community members who depend on Medicaid and CHIP, and we invite you to join us to show solidarity and oppose the funding cuts.

Bre Brannan is the Chair of the Clinton County Democratic Committee.