Teams of Florida nursing home workers joined fellow SEIU members from across the country on multiple lobbying visits to Washington, D.C. to let lawmakers know they’re extremely concerned about deep cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other essential programs.  Nearly four million Floridians, from children to seniors, would be devastated by the loss of healthcare, nutrition and other essential needs.

Proposed by the Trump Administration and passed by Republicans in the House of Representatives, the current legislation would slash nearly $700 billion from Medicaid, as well as placing greater restrictions and requirements on working and low-income Americans to receive services and support. In the House plan, about $267 billion in SNAP food aid over the next 10 years would be eliminated. The bill is now being considered by the Senate, in which Republicans also hold the majority.

“These cuts would hurt vulnerable people who need care the most. As a longtime nursing home worker, I know first-hand that many of the frail and elderly residents I care for depend on Medicaid. These are our parents, grandparents and loved ones. We can’t sit back and remain silent without voicing our concerns. That’s why I felt compelled to join this lobbying trip,” said Rushelle Goodwine Perry, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) from Tampa Bay.

In Florida, the care for about four out of every seven nursing home patients is supported with Medicaid funding. 

In addition to eliminating this critical care, these Medicaid and SNAP cuts would result in substantial job losses for healthcare workers and employees in other sectors across the state. Public health studies have shown that 45,000 workers would lose their jobs and livelihoods just in Florida if Trump and Republicans in the House and Senate are successful in their broad effort to slash opportunities and programs for working families.

The 1199SEIU Florida contingent visited several lawmakers from Trump’s GOP. The caregivers and other workers shared personal stories and -experiences on the importance of Medicaid, SNAP and more for their patients, communities and their own families.

“The lobby visits were very valuable in understanding the process and finding out who cares at all about their constituents or at least willing to listen,” said Yvonna Julies, a medical record and central supply coordinator at a South Florida nursing home. “It was a great learning experience for us, and I hope for them, too.”

Highlighting real-life consequences and establishing productive discussions with all lawmakers – even those who generally ignore the needs of workers – is critical to highlighting the grave importance of protecting Medicaid, SNAP and more, especially when the massive cuts are to fund even more Trump tax giveaways for the already ultra-rich.

“This is an aspect that caregivers find especially disturbing because able-bodied billionaires don’t need even more tax breaks when working people, their kids and elderly loved ones are truly sick,” said Coy Jones, 1199SEIU state political director.  “That’s the real waste, fraud and abuse of the system. But our member-leaders spoke in a strong unified voice to deliver a compelling message to Congress: hands off our healthcare.”

To help save Medicaid, SNAP and more, visit www.healthcareworkersaction.org or call 866-426-2631.