PRESS RELEASE: Congresswoman Barragán Hosts a Full House Community Conversation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

South Gate, CA - On Monday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) held a second Community Conversation on the proposed Republican cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, and other essential government services; the tariff "tax" on everyday essential items; the illegal deportation of legally protected immigrants; and the impacts of these actions on communities in the district. After hosting nearly 400 constituents at her first Community Conversation in San Pedro, last night's event saw close to 300 people gather in South Gate to hear from the Congresswoman, ask questions, and tell their personal stories of how they would be impacted by these policies.

The Congresswoman was joined by Community Health Pediatrician and Medical Director of Health Education and Wellness at AltaMed, Dr. Ilan Shapiro, and Immigration Attorney at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA), Christine Yoon.

"Our constituents are scared and worried about the changes coming from Republicans in Washington that will have a serious impact on their daily lives," said Rep. Barragán. "The Trump Tax on everyday essentials like groceries, clothes, and cars and the massive cuts to federal programs affect every family in our communities. Parents should not have to decide between buying medicine for their child or putting food on the table. Seniors should not be threatened with loss of care in nursing homes while their children work full-time. And families should not have to pay thousands more every year for everyday essentials because of a misguided trade-war. House Democrats will continue to show up in our communities and fight to protect critical programs that hardworking Americans rely on every day."

"Medicaid funding not only ensures that 37 million children in our country have access to care, it also helps fund critical programs for children's mental health and children with disabilities. As a pediatrician, when Medicaid is funded, I can ensure the children I care for have access to the preventative care they need to help them grow healthy. Cutting Medicaid also cuts doctors, nurses, and resources for community health centers, hospitals, and specialty care. If we truly believe in protecting the most vulnerable in our society and investing in the future of our children, then we must protect and preserve Medicaid at all costs," said Dr. Shapiro.

As a practicing community pediatrician, I can tell you that if my Medicaid patients lose access or have to pay increased costs in care, the impacts will be long-lasting and detrimental to their lives, their families, and their communities," he continued.

The full livestream can be found HERE.

###