May 17, 2025
Dear Friends,
Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that a budget is more than just a list of numbers — it’s a reflection of our values and a statement of our priorities. That’s why I was so appalled by the budget proposal House Republicans pushed forward this week. It made clear exactly where their priorities lie. Despite repeatedly promising not to cut Medicare or Medicaid, Donald Trump and his Republican allies are pushing a scheme that slashes earned benefits for millions of American families — all to pay for a multi-trillion dollar tax break for billionaires and large corporations.
During this week’s budget markup in the Energy and Commerce Committee — which oversees Medicare, Medicaid, and other essential health programs — Republicans offered no shortage of excuses and misleading claims. “We absolutely don’t want people who qualify for Medicaid to not receive Medicaid,” the GOP chairman insisted, while others argued their cuts would only impact those “unwilling” to work or otherwise “undeserving” of care. Let’s be clear: these are bald-faced lies.
GOP leadership has instructed our committee to cut at least $880 billion in spending — a simply impossible task without deep cuts to the vital health programs that make up over 97 percent of spending under the committee’s jurisdiction. And last week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirmed that 100 percent of their projected “savings” would come not by eliminating so-called “waste, fraud, and abuse,” but by slashing provider payments, reducing benefits, and kicking people off their coverage.
Republicans can’t defend these cuts to health care for working families. That’s why they’re trying to hide them with creative workarounds — including a new “sick tax,” burdensome paperwork that will prevent millions from receiving care, and shifting costs to states. These changes will create massive budget shortfalls nationwide, forcing states to raise taxes, cut services, or remove people from Medicaid entirely. When all is said and done, the CBO estimates that almost 14 million Americans will lose access to essential care under the Republican budget.
With these alarming figures in mind, I resolved to do everything in my power to uplift the voices of individuals and families in our Capital Region who would be devastated by the GOP’s plan. Earlier this month, I launched a survey on my website to hear from my constituents about what Medicaid means to them. Our office received so many passionate stories, and after reading their words and speaking directly with several families, I brought their voices into this week’s markup — seeking to share with my Republican colleagues the real human cost of their proposals.
On Tuesday, I shared the story of Noëlle and Nathan, who are raising their family in Albany. Their 12-year-old daughter Isla lives with a rare genetic disorder and has received specialized care through Medicaid for nearly eight years. Thanks to a self-directed care program, Isla benefits from a personalized budget that covers caregiving, classes, respite care, and more — support that uplifts their entire family. “Medicaid changed our life,” Noëlle told me. “I can’t imagine what our life would be like without Medicaid.” Nathan added that Medicaid doesn’t just meet Isla’s needs — it also allows their family to provide for themselves and others. Medicaid “allows us to work,” he said. “To lose it would be awful not only for our family but also for all the people we serve through our work.”
Then, during my concluding remarks on Wednesday — as our 26-hour markup drew to a close — I told the story of Sara, a Niskayuna mom, and her 16-month-old son Cameron, a pediatric stroke survivor. Cameron had been developing normally until a sudden stroke nine months ago changed everything. Like so many others, Sara joined a community of parents who rely on Medicaid to care for children with disabilities. Sara told me, “I think what people may be missing here is, anyone can become disabled at any moment and therefore you may not have the coverage you once thought you had.”
The stakes could not be higher — for families here in our Capital Region and beyond. Yet this week, when given dozens of opportunities to prove their plan wouldn’t harm families like Noëlle, Nathan, and Isla’s, or Sara and Cameron’s, Republicans refused to commit to a single guarantee. Many, in fact, seemed barely familiar with the provisions of their own bill. My Democratic colleagues and I fought through the night for an ironclad promise to these families: that we will take care of them. I’m ready to make that promise — and I urge my Republican colleagues to do the same.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates, announcements, and recommendations from governments and agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- As the Trump administration continues to escalate its attacks on our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors, I remain committed to standing by our LGBTQIA+ community and upholding the safety and sense of belonging that every person deserves.
- That’s why, as Pride Month approaches, I’m joining with In Our Own Voices and the Pride Center of the Capital Region to host an LGBTQIA+ Resource and Empowerment Fair!
- The fair will be held on Saturday, May 31st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area, located at 21 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12210.
- This event will create a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and allies to access vital resources, learn about their rights, and connect with supportive organizations across New York’s 20th Congressional District.
- Together, we can ensure our Capital Region remains a safe haven for all individuals, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.
- If you’re looking for more information about this event, or if you want to let us know you’ll be there, click HERE to learn more!
