Yvonne Armstrong, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, released the following statement on the Federal Government Shutdown: 

 

“It is completely reckless and morally bankrupt for Trump and Republican leaders to use a government shutdown as leverage to enact massive Medicaid cuts that will harm millions of Americans. Make no mistake that these extremist politicians—who are firmly in control of every branch of our federal government—are raising healthcare costs and closing rural hospitals to further enrich their billionaire donors.

 

“Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are now furloughed, and critical services are at a standstill, all while prices at the grocery store keep rising and 22 million Americans are about to see their health insurance premiums skyrocket 75%— the result of Republicans’ refusal to extend ACA tax credits. 

 

“Congress must reverse the egregious cuts of the ‘Big, Ugly bill’ and enact a budget that prioritizes the wellbeing of working families. The dedicated caregivers of 1199SEIU will continue to fight for our patients and for a government that puts families over billionaires.”