Rep. Sykes Slams GOP Budget that Raises Costs for Ohioans
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) condemned the Republican budget scheme, which will raise costs and strip away resources from communities in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Rep. Sykes released the below statement in response to the House passage of the Senate-amended Republican budget.
“I am willing to work with anyone who will help me deliver for Ohio’s 13th District but I cannot support the Republican budget that raises costs for my constituents, decimates our local economy, and cuts the services my constituents depend on,” said Rep. Sykes. “For years now, we have heard from people across the country that everything costs too much. And in response, Republicans in Washington have voted to raise costs, increase layoffs, and cut services for American families. It’s shameful. ”
The 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
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. 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.
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 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.
Putting a Premium on Education
Across Ohio, the Republican budget threatens more than 728 schools and 287,000 students who rely on free school lunches. If Republicans are successful, their extreme budget will make it even harder for these children to get the meals they need to grow and learn. Every year, more than 23 million children receive healthy school meals thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision.
The Republican budget would jeopardize the futures of 9,826 students in OH-13 who use Pell grants to help afford their education. About one in three undergraduate students receive Pell grants, which have helped millions of students afford the cost of a college education. These investments in future generations help grow our economy and our middle class.