Michigan Families for Fair Care hosted a “Coffee and Conversation” community event on Monday at Black Cat Coffee in Mt. Clemens, bringing together residents of Michigan’s 10th Congressional District and State Representative Denise Mentzer (HD-61) for a conversation about rising costs, cuts to health care, and what those policies mean for families and vulnerable communities across Macomb County. The event drew community members concerned about the real-world consequences of Congressman John James’s votes in Congress, including his support for the Republican Tax Law and cost-raising tariffs that continue to squeeze working families.
Congressman James’s actions in Congress included making historic cuts to Medicaid and letting Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expire, causing premiums to more than double for thousands of his constituents. Families who rely on marketplace coverage are now paying hundreds more each month just to maintain their health insurance, forcing impossible choices between affording care and covering other basic needs. Rather than fighting to lower costs or protect the health care his constituents depend on, Congressman James has backed policies that have left working families without health care or worse.
“The people I represent in this district talk to me because I show up for them, and the issue I hear about most is, ‘how are we supposed to afford this?’ Fear is running rampant because folks are going without medication, without health insurance, and without a way to afford everything while still putting food on the table,” said State Representative Denise Mentzer (HD-61). “This is when showing up matters most. To let everyone know that their collective voice is not alone in this struggle. My constituents deserve better than a congressman who votes to make life harder, then doesn’t show up. The only way to fix the problem is to hear what the problems are.”
“I spent years of my life fighting for this country, and now it is time for this country to deliver on the promises made to its residents. We deserve life and liberty, but crushing us under the weight of high costs is not freedom. Billionaires should not get a tax cut and large bottom lines while members of our military continue to go without the most basic needs,” Ron, MI-10 resident and Air Force Veteran. “Health care is the foundation of survival in this country, and our congressman John James needs to start fighting for the people who gave everything for us to enjoy our remaining liberties. Regardless of what he does, our community will continue to gather in his absence.”
Additional Photos From Our Event Can Be Found Here
Monday’s event reflected a growing frustration among MI-10 residents who feel that their congressman has consistently chosen to side with the ultra-wealthy and large corporations over the families he represents. Michigan Families for Fair Care continues to educate residents about the economic impact of policies supported by Michigan’s House Republican delegation, like Congressman James, and the importance of protecting health care and essential programs that working families depend on.
