New Jersey Citizen Action has expressed strong opposition to a recent GOP bill passed by the state's Republican delegation, which they claim will significantly disrupt federal health care and safety net programs. Laura Waddell, the Health Care Program Director for New Jersey Citizen Action, issued a statement criticizing Representatives Tom Kean Jr., Chris Smith, and Jeff Van Drew for supporting the legislation.
Waddell stated: “We’re shocked that Representatives Tom Kean Jr., Chris Smith, and Jeff Van Drew voted for a bill that will prove devastating for so many of their constituents so that billionaires can enjoy a tax break and the Trump administration can continue its war on immigrants and people of color." She described the bill as detrimental to federal health care programs and social safety nets crucial for the working poor.
According to Waddell, the legislation could result in millions losing Medicaid coverage, increased healthcare costs due to service scarcity and hospital closures, and loss of food assistance for numerous families. Additionally, she mentioned concerns about increased national debt leading to potential Medicare cuts as projected by the Congressional Budget Office.
Waddell acknowledged several representatives who opposed the bill: "We thank Representatives Herb Conaway, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Josh Gottheimer, LaMonica McIver Robert Menendez, Donald Norcross, Frank Pallone, Nellie Pou, and Mikie Sherrill for their 'NO' vote."
She urged further action against the bill: “We call on the US Senate to vote down this legislation and for all New Jerseyans to raise their voices against it. We especially urge New Jersey elected officials at every level to sound the alarm; this bill will disrupt our state budget and do immense harm to communities throughout our state.”
