ICYMI: ‘Despite Ciscomani's Absence, Neighbors Share Concerns at Town Hall Surrounding Federal Job and Spending Cuts’

TUCSON — Honest Arizona partnered ACE/LUCHA, Care In Action and Working Families Power to host a town hall and invited Congressman Ciscomani to hear with his constituents, but he refused.

According to KGUN9:

"Despite his absence, several organizations and neighbors took the stage to express concerns about looming federal job cuts and potential spending reductions in Medicare and Medicaid services.

Janae Stevenson, lead organizer with the nonprofit Care in Action in Arizona, shared her personal connection to Medicaid, recalling how the program helped cover the cost of her gallbladder removal when she was younger. 'Without Medicaid services, I probably wouldn't have been able to afford it,' she said.

Now, she advocates for care and domestic workers, many of whom are supported by programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

"'Whether they’re caregiving for an elder or disabled family member or loved one, or they’re in an industry where they’re a care worker or in insurance, helping people get access to care,' she explained. 'I think it’s imperative that we not only pay attention to what’s going on but also call our representatives.'"

The town hall comes weeks after Congressman Ciscomani promised to protect Medicaid but then voted for a budget that requires massive cuts to Medicaid.

A Tucson resident penned in a letter to the Arizona Daily Star that, “his vote aims to slash Medicaid. For the bottom 20% of our population (based on income) this translates to a 7.4 % loss of income. Meanwhile, the top 1% would see a 3.9% increase in income — billionaire greed.”

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