Easterseals Statement on Congressional Passage of Reconciliation Bill

Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport released this statement in response to final Congressional passage of the reconciliation bill:

 “With the passage of this bill, Congress just removed the support foundation that millions of people with disabilities, kids, caregivers, and older adults rely on, especially in small towns and rural communities across America. 

By putting Medicaid and SNAP on the chopping block, lawmakers are putting at risk the essential lifelines that make daily living possible for millions. 17 million people are set to lose their health insurance as a result, and over $900 billion slashed from Medicaid will ripple through our communities, jeopardizing care, closing rural hospitals and medical clinics, stripping away access to transportation, employment, and more. With $300 billion in SNAP cuts, hunger and hardship will escalate, hitting the most vulnerable the hardest. Friends and family will be squeezed as they struggle to fill the holes this bill creates.

This was a massive bill. Millions of Americans will experience significant loss and this loss will be felt for years.  

Now, we must turn to fixing the many problems and serious harm this legislation has created.”