Crude And Unusual Punishment: Congressmen James and Barrett Backed Policies Are Crushing Michigan Families
Michigan families are facing financial trouble from every angle, the latest problem is at the gas pump, and Congressmen John James, Bill Huizenga, and Tom Barrett have been on the wrong side of every decision that got us here. All three voted for the Republican Tax Law that handed massive tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy while enacting the largest cuts to SNAP in history and slashing Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars. All supported tariffs, which the Supreme Court has since ruled were illegal, that drove up the cost of groceries and everyday goods for Michigan families. And now, all three have voted against war powers resolution for a war in the Middle East that is sending gas prices through the roof and threatening to raise the cost of food, clothing, airline travel, and virtually everything that depends on fuel to get from point A to point B.
Michigan drivers are already paying the price. Gas prices across the state have surged over 56 cents in a single week, hitting an average of $3.55 per gallon, up nearly 60 cents from just a month ago, when the average sat below $3.00. Experts warn that prices could climb to $4 or higher if the conflict continues to disrupt oil production in the Gulf.
“I served this country, I know what war costs. Not just in dollars, but in the lives it changes forever. Now I watch veterans in my community struggle to afford gas to get to their VA appointments while Washington spends tens of billions, which were ripped away from health care programs.” said Joel, MI-10 resident and veteran. “Congressman James voted for a law that cut Medicaid, the program one in ten veterans relies on for their health care. Our costs are going up at the gas pump, at the grocery store, at the pharmacy, and Republicans elected to represent us are making it worse at every turn. Congressman James owes veterans in this district an answer: why do you keep choosing billionaires and blank checks for war over the people who served?"
“I'm a nurse, I don't get to look away when someone can't afford their care. I watch patients ration medications, delay treatments, and run on fumes to make it to their appointments. Veterans who already fought for this country are fighting to get to the doctor, and afraid they won’t be able to afford it.” said Kim, a Lansing-area nurse. “Congressman Barrett's answer is to cut Medicaid, let health care premiums double, and kick those in need off vital programs at a time of skyrocketing costs. My patients can't afford his priorities. Congressman Barrett, these are your constituents, start acting like it."
The war itself is already costing taxpayers billions. Multiple American servicemembers have been killed, and the scope and duration of the conflict remain unclear. A majority of Americans oppose the war, and Michigan families deserve to know what their representatives plan to do because they soon won’t be able to afford even driving to work.
