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Eau Claire councilors debate resolution urging Congress to protect Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP and Social Security
Summary
Councilmembers introduced a resolution asking Congress to reject deep cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP and Social Security; dozens of residents spoke in favor during the public hearing, sharing personal stories and details about local reliance on those programs.
Councilmembers Worthman and Jones introduced a resolution March 10 urging the U.S. Congress to reject proposals that would make large cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Social Security. Council discussion and public testimony emphasized the local reliance on those programs and plans for how the city would share the resolution if it passes.
Worthman told the council that a federal budget “road map” passed by Congress included language asking the House Energy and Commerce Committee to look at ways to cut those programs, and she said those potential cuts are “without a doubt concerning.” The resolution cites local figures: Worthman said roughly 22% of Eau Claire residents use some form of Medicaid, and that in 2022 “SNAP was used by roughly 10,000 residents.”
Council members asked about next steps if the resolution passes; staff said the approved resolution would be shared with Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) and other members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, and with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Worthman said the purpose is both to inform federal lawmakers and to start a local conversation about the potential effects on city services and residents.
A string of residents and advocates addressed the council in favor of the resolution. Sharon Dillon summarized how FoodShare (Wisconsin’s SNAP program) and SSI allowed her to move into subsidized housing and support family members; she said those benefits restored a sense of independence. “Without SSI and Medicaid, my child… would not be able to get doctor appointments, would not be able to get fuel for his car to stay warm in the Wisconsin winters,” Dillon told the council.
Julia Benker said Medicaid has been essential for her ongoing mental health care and for the families she serves as a child-care provider. Jeremy Gregert, speaking for Citizen Action of Wisconsin, encouraged residents to contact Rep. Van Orden’s Eau Claire office and promoted a “Hands Off Medicaid” town hall at Chippewa Valley Technical College on March 25.
Several speakers asked the council to coordinate with local rallies and events. Council members noted a rally scheduled at CVTC the evening the council is expected to take formal action on the resolution. The transcript records this item as a public discussion; Worthman said the council will consider the resolution for action at the council meeting the next day (a March 11 work session referenced in the meeting).
The council did not record a vote on March 10. If adopted, staff said the resolution would be distributed to the congressional delegation, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and other stakeholders as appropriate.
The council’s meeting packet includes the resolution text and the staff memo listing the recipients for distribution if the council approves the measure.
