By Cathy Turner, Bethlehem Area School District Cook and Local Union President with Pennsylvania Joint Board of Worker’s United, SEIU (pictured on left side)
My co-worker Tammy and I drove 3.5 hours from Bethlehem, PA to DC on Feb. 6th, for the #SaveMedicaid Lobby Day, feeling unnerved by the rush of presidential executive orders. But after telling our stories to five members of Congress, including U.S. Representative Summer Lee who listened intently and took her own notes, we left feeling heard and determined.
Silence is definitely not the answer as this Administration attempts to sell us out to billionaires, to fund even more tax breaks for them. That was apparent in the Congressional offices of Capitol Hill that day where at least 300 other SEIU members, along with coalition partners like Families USA, spoke up. In addition to in-person visits, over 7,000 calls were made to members of Congress. Call yours too! Toll-free with the help of the Capitol switchboard: 866-426-2631.
I believe everyone should have access to affordable healthcare. Many of my co-workers and fellow union members, moms who work part-time to align with school hours, rely on Medicaid and CHIP for their children's health insurance and their own preventative care.
The planned overhaul of this safety net would take healthcare away from children, seniors, and veterans as well as hurt healthcare professionals who care for our loved ones in hospitals, nursing homes, and through home care funded by Medicaid. Cuts would also put critical public services at risk, such as the free breakfast many kids at my middle school rely on.
Across every state of our nation, Medicaid funding covers care for people who aren't often visible. Think about special education, substance use disorders, and mental health services.
My co-worker Tammy, fellow Bethlehem Area School District Cook and Local Union Vice President, told Rep. Lee about her adult son who's dependent on her due to his special needs but whose Medicaid-funded job gives him dignity and purpose.
To that point, did you know that Medicaid covers more than one in five residents? Also, since Medicaid funding comprises such an important part of our state budgets, cuts would have reverberating effects, with state and local governments needing to make further budget cuts to make up the shortfall. This could result in hiring freezes and stagnant wages for workers.
After our lobbying experience, Tammy and I felt empowered. Do the same for yourself today. Call Congress and tell them your story—or that of your neighbor or your co-workers. Our stories have power, and we’re using them to move forward, not back!
Every family knows someone who counts on Medicaid. Call 866-426-2631 or send a letter to your members of Congress now.
