HPAE Statement on the Government Shutdown and Attacks on American Healthcare

EMERSON — “As the government shutdown begins, HPAE condemns the reckless actions of President Trump and Congressional Republicans that brought us to this point. This shutdown isn’t just about political dysfunction — it’s about prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy over the health and well-being of working families. Make no mistake, this shutdown is about the drastic cuts to Medicaid and allowing healthcare tax credits for millions of Americans to expire.

“Those who will be hurt the most will be our most vulnerable in society: the disabled, kids and the elderly.  Nearly 60% of those in long term care may be displaced with the loss of Medicaid. Only the most callous of us would want that to happen.

“But that's not all. These cuts will create a full-blown healthcare crisis as millions will lose their insurance and those who keep it will have to pay much higher premiums. Hundreds of thousands in New Jersey alone will lose healthcare coverage but we will all feel the impact. The cost of this now uninsured healthcare will be reflected in increased healthcare costs for everyone.

“We call on the President and Republicans in Congress to work with Democrats and find a solution that all Americans deserve — one that protects healthcare, lowers costs, and keeps the government open.”

~ HPAE President Debbie White, RN

www.hpae.org    •   www.facebook.com/hpae.aft    •   @hpaeaft    •   @hpae_aft

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HPAE is the largest union of registered nurses and health care professionals in New Jersey. Since its founding by Englewood Hospital nurses in 1974, HPAE has expanded across the state and into Southeastern Pennsylvania representing more than 15,000 nurses, social workers, therapists, technicians, medical researchers, and other health care professionals in hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, blood banks, and university research facilities. HPAE is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO.