Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) challenged New Jersey’s three Congressional Republicans to defend their votes to cut Medicaid from children and seniors in their districts in order to give a tax break to the wealthiest Americans.
“News has emerged that Republicans across the country are cancelling their town halls after blowback from constituents following cuts to vital services,” said Watson Coleman. “My Republican colleagues must justify their votes to cut healthcare for 700,000 New Jerseyans on Medicaid in order to pay for a $4.5 trillion tax cut for the super rich and corporations. They need to explain their votes to their constituents at public town halls. I will be happy to travel to Tom Kean’s district, Chris Smith’s district, or Jeff Van Drew’s district to help them explain their vote to their Constituents.”
The House Republican budget reconciliation bill instructs Congressional committees to cut $880 billion from the Energy & Commerce Committee to fund tax breaks. The New York Times reported that most of these cuts can only come from Medicaid.
“As I mentioned on the House Floor this week, Tom Kean represents 70,000 people who receive their healthcare through Medicaid and are at risk of losing their coverage under the Republican Budget,” continued Watson Coleman. “Jeff Van Drew represents over 176,000. Chris Smith represents over 178,000, including nearly 100,000 children. I think my colleagues should help their concerned constituents understand what they should do when they lose their coverage. I’m happy to help facilitate those discussions.”
Medicaid provides health coverage to 700,000 New Jersey residents, including:
- 33.4% of all children
- 31% of moms giving birth and their newborn babies
- 39.5% of working-age adults with disabilities
- 60% of people living in nursing homes
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In a recent effort to help constituents better understand the potential impact of proposed Medicaid cuts, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman has offered her assistance to fellow New Jersey representatives Jeff Van Drew, Tom Kean Jr., and Chris Smith. With the Trump administration’s proposed budget including significant cuts to Medicaid funding, it is crucial for lawmakers to effectively communicate the potential consequences to their constituents.
Medicaid is a vital program that provides health coverage to millions of low-income individuals and families across the country. In New Jersey alone, over 1.7 million residents rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs. Any cuts to this program could have far-reaching effects on the most vulnerable members of society, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
Congresswoman Watson Coleman has been a vocal advocate for protecting Medicaid and ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable healthcare. She understands the importance of clear communication in helping constituents understand complex policy issues like Medicaid cuts. By offering her assistance to her fellow representatives, she hopes to ensure that New Jersey residents are well-informed about the potential impact of these proposed cuts.
It is essential for lawmakers to engage with their constituents and listen to their concerns about issues like Medicaid cuts. By working together to educate the public and advocate for policies that protect healthcare access for all Americans, Congresswoman Watson Coleman and her colleagues are demonstrating their commitment to serving the best interests of their constituents.
As discussions about the federal budget continue, it is crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of their constituents and work towards solutions that protect essential programs like Medicaid. With the support and guidance of leaders like Congresswoman Watson Coleman, New Jersey residents can feel confident that their voices are being heard and their concerns are being addressed.
