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Council hears wide testimony and advances resolution opposing proposed Medicaid cuts
Summary
The City Council took up a resolution opposing proposed state and federal Medicaid cuts after extensive public testimony from hospitals, caregivers, union representatives and advocacy groups; council members said the city will send the adopted resolution to state and federal officials.
The Spokane City Council considered a resolution expressing opposition to proposed federal or state cuts to Medicaid (referred to in the meeting as "Apple Health" in Washington). The item drew lengthy public comment from health‑care executives, frontline caregivers, union representatives and community advocates.
Alex Jackson, senior vice president and chief executive of MultiCare in the Inland Northwest, told the council that Medicaid is a crucial payer for the region and said cuts would be catastrophic for hospitals and patients. "While we understand the need of the state and federal governments to lean their budgets, doing so on the backs of some of the most vulnerable Washingtonians is extremely concerning," Jackson said, noting the hospital system's recent operating losses.
Several speakers described how Medicaid supports long‑term care, in‑home caregivers and hospital staffing. Susie Young, a home‑care worker, said Medicaid is "the foundation of long term care" and warned that reduced hours for in‑home care would force caregivers to rush essential tasks. Jen Williams, a registered nurse at MultiCare Valley Hospital, said staffing and patient needs have grown more complex and warned that reductions could force hospitals to cut staffing or services.
Representatives of regional organizations also testified. Tessa (representing Better Health Together) said Medicaid enrollment efforts in Eastern Washington enrolled tens of thousands last year and that approximately 25% of Spokane residents rely on Medicaid. Shantel Jackson of the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane described personal experience with the program and urged passage. Several speakers — including providers and union representatives — told the council Medicaid cuts would ripple through homelessness services, mental‑health and substance‑use treatment, school health clinics and long‑term care.
Council discussion thanked speakers and emphasized Spokane's role as a regional health hub. Council member Dhillon said copies of the resolution will be sent to the governor and to state and federal representatives; several other council members urged vigilance and said they supported opposing cuts.
The resolution was advanced by the council for adoption; staff and council members discussed a small verbal amendment introduced earlier in the meeting to clarify language. The transcript shows robust support from council members and a plan to send the adopted resolution to state and federal elected officials and the governor's office for consideration.
Why it matters: Medicaid (Apple Health) is a major payer for hospitals, long‑term care, and behavioral health services in Spokane. Local health systems and providers warned that cuts would force reductions in services, staffing and access to care for vulnerable populations.
What happens next: The council's resolution will be forwarded to the governor and members of Washington's congressional delegation and state legislature; staff indicated the city will track and communicate further state or federal actions that could affect local services.
