Tell representatives you oppose Medicaid cuts

Gov. Little just proposed cutting Medicaid by up to $118 million in his new budget.  These cuts would reduce health care services to children, seniors as well as the 100,000 newly enrolled Idahoans through the expanded version.

These cuts are totally unnecessary and will harm people’s ability to access the care that they need - during a pandemic no less. The federal government is actually sending $200 million additional funds to Idaho over the next two years to cover higher Medicaid costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A recent budget analysis by Close the Gap predicts that Idaho will actually see a $63 million surplus.  

Why would Gov. Little do this you ask.  There is a pattern in Idaho that includes cutting Education and Medicaid funding which produces a surplus which ends up as a tax cut for corporations and the well off.  The reduced state funding causes an increase in local property taxes.  This predictable cycle is the reason why the lowest wage earners pay more as a percentage of their income in taxes than do the well off.

These Medicaid budget cuts will cause harm to your friends, family and neighbors.  Please tell your representatives that you oppose all cuts to Medicaid.

LINDA LARSON

Sandpoint