Last night, Idaho House and Senate Democrats held a public forum at the Idaho State Capitol to listen to Idahoans dealing with Medicaid cuts already in place and to warn against even deeper reductions now under consideration. Parents, seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, health care providers, and concerned Idahoans packed the Statehouse to describe what the cuts mean for their families and communities. More than 115 Idahoans testified, with over 600 people in attendance, filling the Lincoln Auditorium and three overflow rooms.
With budget votes approaching, Democrats urged their Republican colleagues and Gov. Little to listen to Idahoans and oppose Medicaid cuts that shift costs to families and local communities. The statewide series continues with a town hall in Pocatello on Saturday, Feb. 7, followed by events in Hailey on Feb. 13 and Moscow on Feb. 14.
“The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee is considering the state budget right now. Many are calling for cuts, and if lawmakers are going to change Medicaid or health care, people deserve the opportunity to share their stories. JFAC is the only committee that does not take public testimony. It has done so before, including during the Great Recession, but the committee would not open testimony this time. That’s why we invited people here to share. … This is not a formal committee, but we are hearing testimony, livestreaming, and requesting that it be recorded for the legislative website archive. We’re also collecting written testimony. Our goal is to compile it and share it with our legislative colleagues. We can’t put it in an official committee journal, but we will share these stories as widely as possible,” said Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Wintrow.
“I can’t thank you enough for being here. This turnout speaks to the impact Medicaid has on people in our state and what prospective cuts would mean for their lives. … The last time we had cuts of this magnitude was during the downturn of 2008 and 2009. At that time, public hearings were held in committee so lawmakers could better understand the real-life impacts before cuts were made. We could not get official committee hearings this time. But it was critical, before cuts that could come as soon as Friday, to put in public view what this would mean for people’s lives, health, and families,” said House Democratic Leader Ilana Rubel.
“My brother had Duchenne muscular dystrophy when I grew up, and my family relied on Medicaid. Because we had those services, we all got to have more normal lives, including me as the little sister of someone who was so ill. It meant people got to be with my brother, Oli, in community. … It is important that we see and know everyone in our communities, and these essential services help us do that,” said District 16 Representative Annie Haws.
“It is astounding how many people showed up, not just here but in all of the overflow rooms, and we need to hear from you. I’m holding a similar town hall in Pocatello on Saturday, and I look forward to hearing from my constituents on this issue,” said District 29 Senator James Ruchti.
“Values drive policy. The value that is missing is community. When you value community, it is not just about what is best for you, it also respects those around you. We need more of that. … Anyone who tells you this state doesn’t have enough money to adequately fund Medicaid is not telling you the truth,” said District 15 Representative Steve Berch.
“Thank you for showing up and participating. Your voices are being heard. … I am on JFAC, and I am listening carefully to what you have to say. I implore you: The cuts that are coming will be disastrous for our communities, and your participation is critical. … Something important is happening Friday. Get the message out. We are making a critical vote on the services you use. We need you to show up. JFAC needs to see you and understand what the implications of their vote will be. This is the first of many votes coming down the pipeline. Please show up. Encourage your community to be there and let them see you,” said District 18 Representative Brooke Green.
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