By John Badman
ALTON — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) held a roundtable discussion Thursday morning at IMPACT in Alton, a center of assistance for those with disabilities. The group included Medicaid program recipients, health care professionals, and employees of IMPACT.
Budzinski described the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to Medicaid, totaling some $880 billion. The cuts would be devastating for many with disabilities.
“I’m gonna fight like hell against this bill,” Budzinski told those in attendance.
The consensus of most in attendance was that the budget cuts would force thousands of people into nursing homes with a loss of independence.
IMPACT Executive Director Cathy Contarino told the crowd, “These cuts would be devastating for individuals with disabilities.”
Medicaid recipients did not hold back.
“What he’s doing (Trump) is killing me. They should cut the rich out instead of us,” said emotional program participant Janet Atwood.
Atwood, who has a well-documented medical disability, broke down in tears over the prospect of being sent to a nursing home. An audible gasp escaped some people in the crowd when IMPACT Board Member Ruth Atkins said, “For the first time in 79 years (her age), I wonder if I’m in the right country.
In February, House Republicans passed a budget that would force $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid, affecting thousands of Illinois residents, including thousands of children, Budzinski told those at the roundtable. Budzinski also noted that in the long run, there would be no cost savings from the cancelled programs and would raise the federal deficit by $4 trillion, with many people losing the ability to stay independent, forcing them into nursing homes for care.
