New Jersey Citizen Action has expressed strong opposition to a GOP-backed reconciliation bill recently passed by the US Senate. Maura Collinsgru, Director of Policy and Advocacy for New Jersey Citizen Action, issued a statement highlighting concerns about the bill's impact on healthcare access.
Collinsgru stated, "Republicans are trying to make up for their failure to repeal the Affordable Care Act by undoing the progress that has enabled more than 20 million people in this country to gain access to healthcare." She emphasized that the plan would negatively affect healthcare, food assistance, and other essential services for vulnerable groups.
The statement further noted widespread opposition from various sectors including policy analysts, patient advocates, and state leaders. According to Collinsgru, these groups have raised alarms about potential coverage losses and damage to healthcare systems. "This devastating assault on our nation’s healthcare system is projected to throw 16 million people off Medicaid and ACA coverage," she said.
The consequences of increased uninsured rates were also addressed. Collinsgru warned that it could lead to higher medical debt and premiums, forcing families into difficult financial decisions. She criticized GOP Senators for using cuts to fund deportation efforts and transferring wealth from working families to the wealthy elite.
Collinsgru urged representatives in the House to reject the bill as it returns for consideration. She specifically called on GOP Representatives Tom Kean Jr., Chris Smith, and Jeff Van Drew to reconsider their support. "New Jersey voters will remember if our GOP Representatives make the wrong choice again," she concluded.
