Rep. Courtney Joins CT Leaders to Slam House GOP Cuts to Medicaid

NORWICH, CT – Today, Rep. Joe Courtney joined Governor Ned Lamont, Rep. John Larson, and CT leaders and advocates to call out the serious consequences of House Republicans’ plan–backed by President Trump–to cut Medicaid (operated as HUSKY in Connecticut) to pay for tax-cuts for the ultra-wealthy.

The press conference came after 217 Republicans voted to pass the GOP budget proposal last Tuesday. Yesterday, the Congressional Budget Office released a report confirming that the Republican-passed budget would require deep cuts to Medicaid.

“Federally qualified health centers, like the one we are at today, are right in the crosshairs. They provide primary care, behavioral health, dental health, and a whole host of other essential services. Medicaid is the workhorse in terms of making sure that the doors stay open and lights stay on because their mission is to treat people regardless of ability to pay,” Courtney said today. “This is about children at birth all the way through the end of life and everywhere in between that's going to be damaged, harmed, and hurt by this proposal that Republicans barely passed a week ago.”

If enacted, this proposed budget w would deliver a devastating blow to working families in eastern Connecticut. Specifically, 112,966 residents on Medicaid would be at risk of losing their health care; 28,150 residents in CT-02 would see their vital SNAP benefits slashed; and 2,000 people who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act in CT-02 would see their average premium go up by $1,560 per year — a 58% increase.

Ahead of last Tuesday’s House vote, Rep. Courtney spoke on the House Floor in strong opposition to the bill, stating the GOP plan “leaves middle class and lower income Americans in the dust.” Watch and download his remarks here. To learn more about how the budget impacts the Medicaid program, watch Rep. Courtney’s remarks here.