Rep. Sykes Slams GOP Budget Resolution that Raises Costs for Ohioans
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined her Democratic colleagues on the Capitol steps to resoundingly condemn and reject the Republican budget scheme, which will result in higher costs for everyday Americans. Rep. Sykes released the below statement in response to the House Republican budget resolution.
“This budget proposal is an embarrassment. Americans across the country have been clear: they need us to lower costs, not line the pockets of the richest people in the country at their expense,” said Rep. Sykes. “I am willing to work with anyone who will help me deliver for Ohio’s 13th District but I cannot support the House Republican budget because it raises costs for my constituents, decimates our local economy, and cuts the services they depend on.”
The House Republican budget scheme will have a direct impact on Ohio 13’s middle class by gutting lifelines that help families afford health care, put food on the table, and keep their kids in school.
Medicaid
Nearly 80 million Americans receive health care through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, which provide critical care throughout all stages of life. In Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, Medicaid covers more than 201,000 people – including more than 83,000 children and nearly 18,000 seniors – who are now at risk of losing their health care under Republican budget plans. Any cuts to Medicaid would have far reaching effects on our local economy as hospital systems are the district’s largest employers.
The Affordable Care Act
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, tens of millions of Americans can afford high-quality health care. House Democrats built on the Affordable Care Act, delivering lower prices and expanding coverage. Under the Republican budget plan, the 32,000 people who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District would see their average premium go up by $720 per year — a 42% increase. Many families would face even steeper consequences. A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $85,000 in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District would see their health insurance costs increase by $12,590 per year — a 174% increase in premiums.
Increasing Food Costs
With many American families struggling to put food on the table, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides critical support for over 40 million Americans including children, seniors, veterans, and working parents. Extreme Republican budget plans threaten the more than 99,000 people in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District who count on SNAP to put food on the table.