Pallone Hosts Medicaid Town Hall, Takes Questions from Constituents
Long Branch, NJ –– Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) hosted a virtual Medicaid town hall today in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District. Pallone spoke about the need to protect Medicaid for New Jersey families and push back on President Trump’s extreme policies. He was joined by Medicaid recipients and advocates who shared their personal experiences and stressed the dangerous consequences of House Republicans’ proposal to cut billions in federal funding to Medicaid.
"After hearing directly from my constituents tonight, one thing is absolutely clear: the people that I represent do not want Trump and the Republicans to take health care away from the 1.8 million people, including almost 800,000 children who rely on Medicaid in New Jersey. I won’t stand idly by as Republicans threaten them with at least $880 billion in cuts,” Pallone said. “These budget cuts will directly impact every New Jerseyan and the entire health care system at-large. If Republicans have their way, millions of people will lose health coverage nationwide; health care costs will rise significantly, and services and quality of care will be reduced dramatically. All so that billionaires and large corporations can get more tax breaks. It’s cruel and unacceptable.”
“As the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I’m leading the fight to protect health care for New Jersey families,” Pallone said. “I heard firsthand today how much these programs mean to my constituents, and I will continue to fight with everything I have to protect Medicaid from Trump and his radical Republican enablers.”
“The stakes could not be higher for my daughter Dani and the millions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on Medicaid. Medicaid is more than just health insurance—it is a lifeline that offers the vital supports and services needed for individuals with disabilities to lead active, fulfilling lives in their communities,” said Lauren Zalepka, incoming Board President for The Arc of New Jersey and longtime disability advocate. “Any cuts to Medicaid would have devastating consequences, stripping away crucial support and putting people with disabilities at risk of isolation, instability, and institutionalization. I am deeply grateful to Congressman Pallone for his unwavering commitment to protecting Medicaid and the essential services it provides.”
"Congressional Republicans are debating steep budget cuts to poverty programs like Medicaid, SNAP and more, in order to give trillions in tax cuts to the richest among us. At the same time, DOGE continues to dismantle and disrupt government agencies and workers. These steep cuts in funding and workforce will result in millions of individuals in New Jersey and across the country being unable to access essential healthcare, disability and education services that are critical for their survival,” said Maura Collinsgru, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NJ Citizen Action. “We urge you to join with us to fight these cuts and protect the programs and workers so many of our residents rely on. We cannot stand idly by as Republicans tear down our programs and our democracy."
"Medicaid is a lifeline for me and my four-year-old son," said Rachel Peace, a small business owner, mother of a Medicaid-dependent child, and caregiver for her sister. "I'm concerned that vulnerable people like us, in New Jersey and across the nation, believe Medicaid is safe after the continuing resolution; I'm committed to using my voice to help people understand that was only temporary and long term Medicaid cuts are still on the line."
"As a dietary worker at Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center in New Jersey, I see firsthand how Medicaid helps my patients heal and stay healthy. Cuts to Medicaid would devastate the people I serve every day—seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families,” said Danielle Calhoun, a 1199 SEIU member. “We need to expand healthcare access, not take it away. That’s why I stand with Congressman Pallone to say: Hands Off Medicaid!"
On February 25, House Republicans passed a budget resolution that would cut at least $880 billion from Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. These cuts jeopardize care for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
During the town hall, Pallone and his guests discussed the impact of these devastating cuts on New Jersey residents and outlined the fight ahead to protect Medicaid. Pallone took questions from constituents and heard directly from Monmouth and Middlesex residents about how these cuts would affect them.