Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-10) is accompanied by mother and disability advocate Cathy Tamburello from Verona at tonight’s joint presidential address to Congress. Cathy is the mom of 39-year-old Michael, who has intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism, vision, hearing, mobility and communication challenges, as well as a rare disease called CHARGE Syndrome. He requires extensive around the clock medical care, which is funded through Medicaid.
The Republican budget that was pushed through the House last week stands to slash $880 billion from the program, jeopardizing care for Michael and millions of others on Medicaid.
“Today, Donald Trump is giving his joint address to Congress less than one week after House Republicans pushed through a budget that would cut trillions from programs like Medicaid, SNAP, school lunches and more,” said Rep. McIver. “In NJ-10 alone, the Republican budget would kick 225,000 New Jerseyans off Medicaid. These aren’t just numbers. They’re people—like my guest to tonight’s address, Cathy from Verona, whose son, Michael, relies on Medicaid for care. I’m honored to stand alongside Cathy this evening, and to fight in Congress every day for her, Michael, and everyone in our 10th District.”
“Medicaid is a lifeline for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities like my son, Michael. It ensures he can live a good life that supports his health, safety and happiness,” said Cathy Tamburello.
For specific numbers on how these disastrous Medicaid cuts would impact every district in the country click here.
On February 28th, 2022, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper invited disability advocate and Medicaid recipient, Sarah Smith, as his guest to the Joint Address to Congress. This move comes in response to recent attacks on Medicaid and other social safety net programs by lawmakers at both the state and federal level.
Sarah Smith, a resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been a vocal advocate for disability rights and access to healthcare for individuals with disabilities. She has firsthand experience with the importance of Medicaid in providing essential services and support for people like herself who rely on the program for their healthcare needs.
In recent years, Medicaid has come under fire from politicians who seek to cut funding and impose restrictions on eligibility requirements. These attacks threaten the ability of millions of Americans, including those with disabilities, to access the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Governor Cooper’s decision to invite Sarah Smith as his guest to the Joint Address sends a powerful message about the importance of protecting Medicaid and other social safety net programs. It highlights the real-world impact that these programs have on the lives of individuals and families across the country.
In his address to Congress, Governor Cooper emphasized the need to invest in healthcare and support services for all Americans, including those with disabilities. He called on lawmakers to reject cuts to Medicaid and instead work towards expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare for all.
Sarah Smith’s presence at the Joint Address serves as a reminder that behind every policy decision and budget cut, there are real people whose lives are at stake. It is a call to action for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations and ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they need to thrive.
As the debate over Medicaid and other social safety net programs continues, it is crucial that we listen to the voices of those directly impacted by these policies. People like Sarah Smith serve as powerful advocates for change and remind us of the human cost of political decisions. It is up to all of us to stand up for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.