Representative Jen Kiggans Votes to Strip Medicaid from Seniors and Children

Over 600,000 Virginians’ Healthcare is on the Republican Chopping Block

Virginia Beach, VA – Last night, Representative Jen Kiggans, along with all but one of her Republican colleagues in Congress, voted to cut funding for essential services to fund tax breaks for corporations and billionaires. This budget resolution will gut funding for programs like Medicaid and result in thousands across Hampton Roads losing access to healthcare altogether.

Among those hit hardest will be seniors, those with disabilities, and children – including half of newborns and new mothers. Due to Virginia’s trigger law, over 600,000 Virginians will immediately lose Medicaid if the federal government cuts Medicaid by even 1%. 

“Virginians are already struggling to make ends meet, and can’t afford to lose their healthcare too,”  said Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaigns Director. “One in five Virginians rely on Medicaid to receive healthcare. It’s our seniors in assisted living homes, and children who benefit most. The message is very clear, Virginians care about Medicaid. So what doesn’t Jen Kiggans understand? The budget resolution requires $880 billion in spending cuts from the committee that houses Medicaid, and that money has to come from somewhere. In the quest to eradicate government waste – Medicaid is not seen as waste by voters of any party. Ensuring people can live with dignity should never be on the chopping block. Once again, Representative Kiggans proves that she cares more about padding the pockets of billionaires over the welfare of her constituents.”