This morning, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) was joined at University Hospital by Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Milly Silva of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Debbie Davidson, a Jespy House Client, and advocates from across the state, including disability rights groups and healthcare providers to highlight the immediate negative effects Congressional Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid will have on communities across the Garden State ahead of President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.
“During his Joint Address to Congress, President Trump will say he and Elon Musk are taking steps to improve the lives of everyday Americans, but actions speak louder than words. Just last week, President Trump and Congressional Republicans, at the urging of Elon Musk, passed a cruel budget resolution, demonstrating to New Jerseyans—once again—that they don’t care about them. Republicans’ successfully lobbied on behalf of the ultra-rich, providing them huge tax breaks while greenlighting massive cuts across essential programs, like food assistance. The Republican resolution also set the table for historic cuts to Medicaid. Here in the Garden State, that means children, older adults and our neighbors with disabilities dependent on home care, and low- and moderate-income adults who don’t have employer-based health insurance are at risk of being stripped of the care and services that guarantee their health and wellbeing. Medicaid isn’t an abstract government program. Its initiatives are tangible. Hospitals rely on it to serve their communities. They’re lifelines, and the GOPs spineless bidding and apathy comes at the expense of millions of New Jerseyans and tens of millions of people across the country––whether in a small town or big city. Tomorrow, as we listen to the president, don’t simply take his words at face value. His actions are having grave consequences for the institutions that sustain us,” said Booker.
The Republican House budget resolution would cost congressional districts an average of $2 billion each in Medicaid funding and could eliminate coverage for 15.9 million people. The impacts of these severe cuts will be felt across Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), covering essential, lifesaving health care for nearly 1 in 4 Americans—including low-income individuals and families; pregnant women; seniors; and people with disabilities. In New Jersey, these cuts would threaten nearly 1 in 5 people. Additionally, Medicaid pays for services for 2 in 3 nursing home residents and pays for home-based services for close to 2 million older adults across the state. Medicaid also covers over 30% of in-state births.
“Last week, House Republicans gleefully agreed to a budget that cuts trillions from Medicaid, SNAP, and more federal services that New Jersey residents rely on. The Republican trifecta is making reckless decisions and it is us, our communities, our friends, and neighbors who will pay the price. I voted no on their dangerous budget and will keep working to uplift the voices of our residents and fight back against these detrimental cuts,” said United States Representative LaMonica McIver, D-NJ-10.
“Medicaid is the singular most important healthcare program in our nation’s history. In every New Jersey community, children, pregnant mothers, seniors in nursing homes, and working families rely on Medicaid for lifesaving care. Voting to cut Medicaid to fund tax cuts for billionaires would be a disastrous and immoral failure by our leaders in Washington, DC. Our demand is clear: no Medicaid cuts,” said Milly Silva, Secretary-Treasurer of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
“Medicaid is not just a program. It is the foundation that empowers adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to live independently, build meaningful relationships, contribute to their towns, and pursue their goals. JESPY is more than a place—it’s a community where our clients thrive, gain skills, and create a future. Cuts to Medicaid would devastate our ability to deliver vital services that our clients rely on. Being forced to leave JESPY means our clients lose their jobs, homes, friends, and critical services. We are here to help our clients strengthen their independence and live full lives. We don’t want their lives shattered,” said Audrey Winkler, Executive Director of JESPY House.
“The recent passage of a budget reconciliation bill by the House of Representatives has caused immediate concern for the future of Medicaid. With the potential to be the largest cut in history––a staggering $880 billion––this will greatly impact almost 2 million people on Medicaid in New Jersey. The potential outcome of these cuts is devastating, specifically for disabled individuals and older adults who rely on Medicaid as a lifeline for necessary healthcare services. Slashing the program will not only cause immediate consequences for those affected, but also have lasting and serious effects on their overall well-being and quality of life. It is crucial for lawmakers to carefully consider the impact of these cuts and find alternative solutions to address budget concerns without sacrificing the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.” said Carole Tonks, Executive Director of Alliance Center for Independence.
“A large percentage of people covered by Medicaid in NJ are receiving life-saving services for their substance use disorder. Any cuts to Medicaid will disrupt the system of care throughout NJ and put more people at risk of dying from an opioid overdose. This would be a devastating blow that would undermine, and effectively serve to reverse, the tremendous progress that we have made in reducing opioid-related deaths in recent years,” Robert J. Budsock, President & CEO of Integrity House
“Any cuts to Medicaid will have a profound and devastating impact on over 30,000 families with a loved one on the spectrum—families who have fought tirelessly for years to secure even the most basic human rights for their children. This is not just a setback; it is an attack on the progress that has been made in ensuring access to essential care and services. Once again, the system threatens to fail those who need it most, jeopardizing the well-being and future of countless individuals and families. Thank you, Senator Booker, for your unwavering commitment and dedicated efforts to support and advocate for the disabled community,” said Moish Tov, Founder of JoyDew.
“The Arc of New Jersey thanks Senator Booker for standing up and pushing back against any possible cuts to the Medicaid program. Cutting Medicaid would decimate the service delivery system that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families depend on. Medicaid goes beyond access to health care, it is the lifeline program that keeps people with disabilities living in the community and affords them independence. Whether it’s group homes and day programs, or critical therapies and respite care, Medicaid is what gives people with disabilities options. If we cut this program, all of that is in jeopardy. We urge elected officials in Washington to protect Medicaid and to protect the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on it,” said Sharon Levine, Senior Director of The Arc of NJ.
“Disability Rights New Jersey emphatically protests any reduction is funding that would diminish Medicaid. Loss of the services and supports, vital care, and life saving medications, accessible through Medicaid, will have a devastating impact on the lives and well-being of individuals with disabilities and their families. Medicaid is a critical lifeline relied upon at every stage of life, providing access to home and community-based supports essential to upholding the promise of the Supreme Courts Olmstead decision to live one’s life in the community. Disability Rights New Jersey stands ready to fight for New Jerseyans with disabilities and advocate against harmful cuts or caps to Medicaid that threaten the community we serve,” said Mary A. Ciccone, Director of Policy, Disability Rights New Jersey
“Medicaid is the health lifeline that so many families depend on. As New Jersey has made strides toward safer births, Medicaid cuts could derail that progress and widen health disparities, risking the health of mothers and babies,” Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty, MA, BSN, President and CEO, Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey.
“These cuts will be catastrophic to NJ from a health care, services, and state budget perspective. They will force states like NJ to play a game of life boat and we can’t play games with people’s lives. We applaud NJ State and Federal legislators like Senators Booker and Kim for standing up to this inhumane budget reconciliation,” said Laura Waddell, Health Care Program Director for New Jersey Citizen Action.
Speakers at this morning’s press conference included:
U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Representative LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10)
Milly Silva, Secretary Treasurer 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
Debbi Davidson, a Jespy House Client
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Booker and Allies Protest GOP Medicaid Cuts Before Trump’s Address to Congress
As President Trump prepared to address Congress on Tuesday night, Senator Cory Booker and a coalition of allies gathered outside the Capitol to protest the Republican Party’s proposed cuts to Medicaid.
The GOP’s plan to overhaul the healthcare system includes significant reductions to Medicaid, a program that provides healthcare coverage to millions of low-income Americans. Critics argue that these cuts would have devastating consequences for the most vulnerable members of society.
Booker, a vocal opponent of the GOP’s healthcare plan, spoke passionately about the importance of protecting Medicaid during the protest. He emphasized that the program is a lifeline for many Americans who rely on it for essential medical care.
“We cannot allow the Republican Party to strip away healthcare from those who need it most,” Booker declared. “We must stand together and fight for the rights of all Americans to access quality, affordable healthcare.”
Joining Booker at the protest were representatives from various advocacy groups, including Planned Parenthood and the Center for American Progress. Together, they called on Congress to reject the GOP’s proposed cuts to Medicaid and work towards a healthcare system that provides coverage for all Americans.
The protest comes at a critical time, as President Trump and congressional Republicans continue to push for changes to the Affordable Care Act. The fate of Medicaid hangs in the balance, with millions of Americans anxiously awaiting the outcome of the debate.
As the nation awaits President Trump’s address to Congress, the message from Booker and his allies is clear: healthcare is a right, not a privilege. They are determined to fight against any attempts to dismantle Medicaid and ensure that all Americans have access to the care they need to lead healthy and productive lives.
