SACRAMENTO, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California slammed today’s vote in Congress to rush through a budget plan that recklessly slashes $880 billion from Medicaid (known as Medi-Cal in California): 

Carmen Roberts, SEIU Local 2015 Executive Vice President, SEIU California Executive Board member & caregiver, said:  

“Republican Congressmembers’ reckless, partisan vote to move forward with a budget that will terminate health care for millions of Californians will not stop SEIU members from fighting for our patients, our communities, and our families. Healthcare workers and caregivers know firsthand that Medicaid cuts will hurt seniors, children, working families, veterans, and people with disabilities – and we also know that our entire healthcare system will be harmed. 

“Rural hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes will struggle to keep their doors open; access to life-saving specialty care will be sharply curtailed; many healthcare workers and caregivers will lose their jobs; health care costs will increase for everyone, and all health care and long-term care services will face intense pressure to reduce staffing and care. 

“Not a single member of California’s Republican delegation stood up for their constituents by voting no, instead siding with Elon Musk to rush through this vote that will not only gut Medicaid but imperil Medicare and Social Security.  Reps.  Ken Calvert, Vince Fong, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, Young Kim, Doug LaMalfa, Tom McClintock, Jay Olbernolte and David Valadao are not being honest with their constituents when they claim to protect our care. We will hold them accountable for choosing wealthy CEOs over their constituents’ lives, and voters won’t forget their choice.”

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