{"id":7478,"date":"2025-06-10T09:01:07","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T13:01:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/?p=7478"},"modified":"2025-07-14T09:02:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T13:02:31","slug":"retirees-in-action-unions-took-the-fight-against-the-big-ugly-betrayal-bill-to-elected-representatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/issue\/volume-43-no-6\/retirees-in-action-unions-took-the-fight-against-the-big-ugly-betrayal-bill-to-elected-representatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Retirees in Action: Unions took the fight against the \u2018Big Ugly Betrayal Bill\u2019 to elected representatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PEFJuly 18, 2025 —<\/em> Despite our legislative advocacy efforts, we didn\u2019t have the votes to defeat President Donald Trump\u2019s massive spending bill, which he dubbed the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d, and he signed it into law on July 4.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In my last <\/span>Communicator<\/span><\/i> column<\/span><\/a>, I referenced the cuts and other harmful effects of this legislation on seniors and working people. I reached out to my GOP Congressional representative and my U.S. senators to request they make changes to the bill. There have been numerous protests nationally and locally in response to this betrayal.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the NYS Alliance of Retired Americans (NYSARA) helps keep us informed with facts from research they do regarding the current events. I sit on the board of NYSARA and the AFT Retirees Public Policy Committee. At a recent AFT in-person meeting we developed an action plan to be edited and delivered to our members. (You can take a look at that plan here: <\/span>AFT Retirees PPC 25-26 Action Plan.pdf<\/span><\/a>.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This plan was intended to guide the AFT Retirees Public Policy Committee in executing their charge of growing retiree engagement across the nation and utilizing the leadership of local retiree activists to help locals and state affiliates meet needs of their members – both in service and retired!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is information excerpted from this week’s Monday Alert from NYSARA, which includes one of the many letters I wrote to my Republican Congressman. It also includes some specific information about the Big Ugly Betrayal, which doesn\u2019t line up with what the Congressman is saying!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From the Congressman<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Mr. Carr,<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for Medicaid. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Medicaid is a critical lifeline for millions of seniors, children, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families who have fallen on hard times\u2014not just in New York, but across the country. I firmly support maintaining Medicaid benefits for those who truly need it. Particularly in our rural and underserved communities throughout Western New York and the Southern Tier, Medicaid plays a vital role in keeping hospitals and nursing homes open, doctors in practice, and patients healthy.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While I strongly support the mission and necessity of Medicaid, we must also acknowledge that the program is not immune to inefficiencies, waste, and fraud. To ensure the long-term viability of the program, it’s our responsibility to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is being used wisely and reaching the people who genuinely need help. That\u2019s why I believe targeted reforms are essential to strengthen Medicaid for the long haul\u2014by modernizing eligibility verification systems, increasing oversight, and rooting out fraud and abuse that cost the program billions annually. The core population Medicaid was designed to serve\u2014pregnant women, children, people with disabilities and low-income seniors\u2014has expanded exponentially, which has also contributed to exploding costs and I also believe that we can institute common sense measures like work-requirements for able-bodied adults under the age of 65 who don\u2019t have dependents. Work requirements on public welfare benefits that were instituted in the 90\u2019s under the Clinton Administration had tremendous success getting people into the workforce and started on the ladder back to self-sufficiency.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In these polarizing times, there has been a lot of dishonest rhetoric and misinformation about House Republicans\u2019 budget and our reconciliation process. Our House Budget Resolution did not cut a single penny from Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security and both the President, the Speaker and I have said numerous times publicly that we will not cut benefits for those who truly need them. As a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over healthcare policy, I am proud to have a seat at the table as these important policy decisions are being discussed. Please know that I remain committed to expanding affordable and accessible quality healthcare for all Americans.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, thank you for contacting me about this important issue. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any additional questions, comments, or concerns. My door is always open, and I am honored to serve Western New York and the Southern Tier in Washington.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(Note: The Congressman has not scheduled or attended any town halls or public meetings about the federal budget.)<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, the Facts…<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2025, the cuts to Medicaid could significantly impact healthcare coverage and spending. A key part of the legislation involves reducing the federal matching rate for the Medicaid expansion population, which could lead to millions losing coverage and states facing increased financial burdens.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Key details<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n