Republicans seem intent on hurting the most vulnerable

Members of Congress take the Pledge of Allegiance hundreds of times during their terms in office. It says that liberty and justice are for all. But Republican lawmakers in Washington don’t believe the Pledge. Instead, they only want liberty and justice for some.

Despite strong opposition, the threats to Medicaid have gotten worse. The budget bill passed by the House in May includes $800 billion in cuts over 10 years. The Senate’s version released last week increases those cuts to $1 trillion. The results will be catastrophic. More than 10.3 million Medicaid beneficiaries will lose coverage. More than 4.5 million people with complex needs who live at home may be forced into costlier and lower-quality institutions. More than 4 million family caregivers may lose supports. More than 13,000 people in nursing homes will die. More than 338 rural hospitals will close.

Republicans are determined to hurt people who don’t deserve it. People like my disabled adult son David, who needs 24/7 support. He lives in a Medicaid-funded group home and attends a Medicaid-funded day activity center, both in Elgin. He’s not a statistic. He’s one human face of Medicaid.

Why is the Republican Congress intent on dismantling safety net programs that David relies on? To give massive tax cuts to wealthy individuals and profitable corporations. So the richest people on the planet can own even more. But taking from David to give to Elon Musk isn’t justice for all. In fact, it’s not justice at all.

Our Illinois senators reject this budget. But if it passes, Illinois will lose money and be forced to cut services. So, please call Republican senators from other states and protest.

Their votes affect everyone in the U.S., not just their own constituents. Ask them to live up their Pledge of liberty and justice for all.

James B. Gould, Carpentersville

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