In Speech, Peters Shares Stories from Michiganders Across the State Who Will Lose Health Care Coverage if Republicans’ Bill is Passed into Law
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) took to the Senate floor to voice his opposition to Senate Republicans’ bill that would take away health care and food assistance from millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, in order to cut taxes for billionaires. The bill would also add trillions of dollars to the national debt.
“This bill will blow up our national debt, kick millions of people off of their health care, and take food off of families’ tables while cutting food assistance,” Peters said during his speech. “And for what? What are our colleagues mortgaging our country’s future for? What are they slashing health care and food assistance to pay for? Well, they’re doing it for tax cuts for billionaires.”
Peters underscored that the legislation does not address the issues that matter to the American people, like bringing down the cost of living and lowering the national debt.
“This is not what our constituents want us to be focused on. They want us to help make their life better,” Peters said. “But instead of focusing on that, here we are on the brink of passing a bill so irresponsible that it will destroy our country’s economic health, harm millions of Americans, all so a handful of billionaires, the wealthiest of the wealthy, can have another tax break. Mr. President, I will never support a such a reckless and catastrophic plan.”
To watch the full video of Peters’ speech on the Senate floor, click here.
Peters has heard from more than 10,000 Michiganders about the harm they would face if Republicans pass their bill to cut Medicaid – which provides access to quality, affordable health care for millions of children, seniors, and Americans with disabilities. During his speech, Peters shared their stories to highlight how this bill would be detrimental to the health and economic security of families all across Michigan.
Affording Medicine: “Take Isaac from Lansing, for example, who says Medicaid is the only lifeline he has to pay for the medicine that literally keeps him alive.”
Access to Elderly Care: “Take Gwen from Grand Rapids, who says she wouldn’t be able to pay for an assisted living facility for her grandmother without Medicaid.”
Support for Americans with Disabilities: “Many of us know someone or maybe even love someone who lives with a disability. Thanks to Medicaid, people with disabilities can get the care that allows them to live healthy and independent lives. That is the case for Wanda from Westland, who takes medication for an eye condition. Without Medicaid, she would not be able to afford her medication, and she could actually go blind.”
Keeping Our Children Healthy: “I heard from Gladys, a mother from Flint, who says Medicaid is the only reason her kids can get their asthma medication or have regular health checkups.”
Health Care Access in Rural Communities: “Under this bill, rural communities will be especially impacted by cuts to Medicaid. In some counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there’s only one health care provider, meaning some Michiganders will have to travel up to 50 miles to get routine or emergency care. Medicaid helps keep these hospitals open, and if this bill passes, people in these rural communities are going to be cut off from basic health services.”
Pre and Post Natal Care for Expecting Mothers: “Expecting mothers also reached out to share their concerns. While she is busy preparing to welcome a newborn baby into the world, Chelsea from Fennville is now afraid that she will lose her access to both pre and post natal care under this absolutely disastrous bill.”
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