Congressman John James And Tom Barrett Put Billionaire Profits Over Men's Health During National Men's Health Month
As June marks National Men's Health Month, Congressman John James (MI-10) and Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) continue to prioritize billionaire tax breaks over the health and well-being of Michigan men. Barrett and James's recent vote to cut Medicaid funding put health care access at risk for thousands of men across their districts who rely on the program for essential health services.
According to the American Heart Association, men are statistically less likely to seek preventive health care, making accessible and affordable options even more crucial. Yet Congressman James and Barrett voted to cut Medicaid – a program that over 300,000 people in MI-10 and MI-07 depend on, including men who need coverage for heart disease, diabetes, mental health services, and other critical health issues.
"Congressman James has made it clear that he values massive tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy over the lives of his constituents," said MI-10 constituent and Mount Clemens City Commissioner Spencer Calhoun. "During Men's Health Month, when we should be focusing on improving health care access for men, James is actively working to take it away."
These Medicaid cuts will trigger devastating consequences across Michigan. Tens of thousands of Michiganders face the risk of losing coverage entirely or being forced to pay higher premiums they cannot afford.
“I honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps infantry, and veterans like me deeply understand the value of being able to access their health care. For many families, Medicaid is often the only means of accessing basic medical care,” said MI-07 constituent and veteran Sean McLaughlin. “Congressman Tom Barrett has already undermined affordable health care, but it is not too late to stop these dangerous cuts. This moment calls for courage because lives are at risk, and no amount of profit should justify the many we could lose.”
This Men's Health Month serves as a stark reminder that Congressmen Barrett and James have failed at the one job elected officials should prioritize: making sure constituents are taken care of. Instead, they have chosen to gamble with people's lives to fund excessive tax breaks for billionaires. Michigan Families for Fair Care is calling on Congressman Barrett and James to reverse course and prioritize the health and well-being of Michigan men and families over corporate profits and billionaire tax breaks.
