Local Activists and Policy Experts Raise Concerns Over Republican Cuts to Healthcare and Food Assistance at Corning Community Forum
Congressman Nick Langworthy Voted in Favor of the Largest Cuts to Healthcare and Food Assistance in American History, Imperiling Tens of Thousands in the Southern Tier
CORNING, NEW YORK — Yesterday, following the 60th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid Act, a coalition of activists and policy experts gathered with local residents for a community forum and press conference in Corning, NY. The evening’s discussion centered around the recently passed Republican cuts to healthcare and food assistance, which Representative Nick Langworthy helped to pass.
Moderated by Empire State Voices' Zachary Tirgan, the guest panel included former Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan, Dr. Kathleen King, MD, 1199SEIU Delegate Peggy Clarkson, and Citizen Action of New York Lead Organizer Ravo Root. Empire State Voices organized the event in partnership with Citizen Action of New York and 1199SEIU.
From left to right: Ravo Root, former Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan, Zachary Tirgan, Dr. Kathleen King, MD, and Peggy Clarkson | CREDIT: Empire State Voices
The new legislation, which passed without any bipartisan support, slashes funding for Medicaid and SNAP in order to pay for tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires, and large corporations. The law also repeals a key provision of the Affordable Care Act that sends federal funds to states like New York to expand coverage, putting hundreds of thousands at risk. Over the next decade, over 30 thousand residents of New York’s 23rd Congressional District could lose their health coverage due to reduced funding and rising costs, and nearly 20 thousand could lose access to critical food assistance.
“Coming to events like this is super important, not only so we can figure out how we’re going to make an impact, but so we can reveal that sense of community that I think we’re really lacking right now,” said Devan Ginnan, a student at Corning Community College and the Founder of Indivisible Corning Elmira Youth. “Being in a group full of people who care about the same issues as you is an experience we’re not getting a lot, especially with this polarization in this district, so we need more people coming to events like this.”
“These Medicaid cuts are devastating for those who want to take care of our patients.” -Peggy Clarkson, 1199SEIU | CREDIT: 1199SEIU
“These Medicaid cuts are devastating for those who want to take care of our patients,” said Peggy Clarkson, 1199SEIU Delegate and emergency room worker. “It is definitely a way of ending healthcare for all that are the most needy in our community.”
“Rural hospitals are already struggling to stay afloat. Many have cut back services, and all rely heavily on Medicaid payments. Nick Langworthy’s vote to kick struggling families, the elderly, and the disabled off of Medicaid shows that he has no understanding of the needs of his constituents or the economy of the 23rd district,” said Dr. Kathleen King, MD. “I have worked as a rural family physician for decades. This disaster of a bill shifts money from the poor to billionaires who absolutely do not need it. Healthcare is the biggest employer in most rural areas. This will not only devastate our economy, but it is going to cost lives, all while not saving the average taxpayer a single dime. It is inhumane and economically unsound."
“[These cuts] will impact hundreds of thousands in the 23rd Congressional District alone. People will lose healthcare, jobs, and hospitals will close or reduce services.” -former Mayor Shawn Hogan | CREDIT: 1199SEIU
“It is extremely important to inform and educate our fellow citizens, friends, and neighbors of the negative impact of the BBB on our healthcare system,” said former Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan. “It will impact hundreds of thousands in the 23rd Congressional District alone. People will lose healthcare, jobs, and hospitals will close or reduce services. Stay informed.”
“Congressman Langworthy has slapped the people of NY-23 in the face with these dangerous, radical cuts,” said Ravo Root, Lead Organizer with Citizen Action of New York. “Seniors will be denied medical care, children will go hungry, and essential services will be gutted—all in the name of tax breaks for billionaires. Votes like this make it clear where the congressman’s priorities lie, and it sure as hell isn’t with the people of NY-23.”
To learn more about Empire State Voices, please reach out to press@empirestatevoices.org
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About Empire State Voices
Empire State Voices (ESV) is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. ESV is fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same.
