Barrett’s Town Hall Proves He’ll Keep Siding With Billionaires Over Michigan Working Families
LANSING, MICHIGAN — In a Town Hall he held Wednesday, Representative Tom Barrett proved that when it comes to healthcare, taxes, and the cost of living, he is out of touch with the needs of families in Michigan’s 7th District.
Congressman Barrett defended the Republican Tax Law, saying, “This isn’t a tax cut for billionaires.” But, that’s exactly what it is. Experts have found that Trump’s tax law cuts taxes by $1 trillion for the wealthy one percent, paid for by historic cuts to social services like Medicaid.
“For those of us who depend on Medicaid, Representative Barrett’s votes have real world consequences,” said Keith, a senior who lives in Michigan’s 7th District. “Medicaid is how I see my doctor and afford my prescriptions. When I hear my own congressman defending cutting healthcare benefits like Medicaid, I feel like he doesn't understand people like me at all. I wish he would stop siding with billionaires and side with constituents like me to lower healthcare costs.”
Congressman Barrett continued to brag about the disastrous Medicaid provisions in the Republican Tax Law, claiming that they were simply putting "appropriate guardrails” on Medicaid. However, people should know that up to 355,000 Michiganders could lose Medicaid coverage because of his vote, including seniors and children who rely on this vital program.
He also acknowledged the “out of control” cost of insurance premiums, but deflected the blame to insurance companies, neglecting to take responsibility for his role in letting the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expire last year. As a result of Rep. Barrett’s actions, nearly 500,000 Michigan residents—and over 30,000 of Barrett’s constituents—have faced devastating premium hikes.
Rep. Tom Barrett has shown time and time again that when given a choice, he’ll prioritize the needs of the ultra-wealthy over the needs of hardworking Michigan families. In addition to his harmful statements about Medicaid, the Trump Administration just announced harsh requirements around implementing Medicaid cuts from the Republican Tax Law that will lead to even sick people losing Medicaid coverage. Michigan Families for Fair Care will continue to call him out for his votes that cut taxes for the wealthy, at the expense of affordable healthcare coverage for working families.
