House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Joins Amo, Magaziner for Healthcare Roundtable with Rhode Island Workers to Denounce Medicaid, ACA Cuts

PROVIDENCE, RI - House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) joined Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01), Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02), and healthcare workers from Service Employees International Union 1199 and United Nurses & Allied Professionals today for a roundtable discussion and press conference on the impact of President Trump and Republicans' Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts on Rhode Islanders.

During the roundtable, the Members heard directly from healthcare workers about how the federal funding cuts are straining hospitals, clinics, and the patients who depend on them. Following the discussion, Jeffries, Amo, and Magaziner answered press questions and highlighted Democratic efforts to expand high-quality, affordable healthcare access for Americans.

"The Republican healthcare crisis is devastating the ability of healthcare providers to serve our families, our loved ones, our friends and our neighbors. In the wealthiest country in the history of the world, accessing high-quality, affordable healthcare cannot be a privilege available only to the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected." said Leader Jeffries. "House Democrats are committed to ending this Republican assault on healthcare and constructing a healthcare system that allows the American people to get high-quality healthcare whenever and wherever they need it. I'm thankful to Congressman Magaziner and Congressman Amo for their work to bring that vision to life for Rhode Islanders and people across America."

"Every American deserves access to affordable, high-quality health care. But President Trump and congressional Republicans have deepened Rhode Island's health care crisis by cutting nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to fund tax breaks for billionaires. I was proud to join Leader Jeffries and Congressman Amo today to hear directly from Rhode Islanders whose costs have skyrocketed and providers who have been pushed to the breaking point. I will continue working with my colleagues to reverse these cuts and build a health care system that ensures every Rhode Islander can access the care they need." said Congressman Magaziner (RI-02).

"Every American should be able to see a doctor when they need one without going broke, and every healthcare professional should be able to take care of their family while caring for others," said Congressman Amo (RI-01). "Rhode Islanders are feeling the squeeze because of Republicans, and we need action, not more slashing of healthcare funding to pay for billionaires' tax cuts. I've joined Leader Jeffries and my colleagues across the House to fight for affordable healthcare and I'm grateful that he heard directly from union healthcare providers in Rhode Island who experience the challenges facing patients every day. Together, we will keep pushing to lower costs and protect access to essential healthcare."

Also joining the press conference were Lynn Blais, President of United Nurses & Allied Professionals which represents 7,000 nurses, technologists, therapists, and other healthcare workers in Rhode Island, Vermont and Connecticut, and Jesse Martin, Executive Vice President of SEIU 1199 New England, which represents more than 32,000 healthcare and service workers across southern New England including 8,000 members in Rhode Island.

"It's conversations like the ones we had today, with providers of healthcare and the support systems around the state, that are going to help make this state's healthcare delivery system better and help deliver change to all Americans in Congress. I thank these wonderful congressional leaders for spending the time listening and brainstorming with us about what actual healthcare could look like for Americans and also taking into consideration the affordability that all working people are dealing with," said Jesse Martin, Executive Vice President of SEIU 1199 New England.

"Decisions made in Washington about Medicaid, Medicare, workforce investments, behavioral health, and healthcare funding have consequences here in Rhode Island-in our hospitals, nursing homes, community facilities, and ultimately in our patients' homes. As union healthcare workers, we understand what is at stake because we live it every day. We are not simply fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for safe workplaces, strong healthcare institutions, and a system where every Rhode Islander can get the care they need. That is why we need to bring both the House and Senate back to democratic control and roll back these cuts not just for the health and safety of all Rhode Islanders but for all Americans," said Lynn Blais, President of United Nurses & Allied Professionals.

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