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Senate committee backs resolution condemning U.S. House budget cuts; witnesses warn of Medicaid harm
Summary
The committee released SR126, which condemns a U.S. House budget resolution that would cut $1.5 trillion and urges U.S. Senate rejection; multiple witnesses warned of large Medicaid funding losses and consequences for vulnerable New Jerseyans.
The Senate Health Committee released Senate Resolution 126, which condemns the U.S. House budget resolution that committee sponsors said would cut $1.5 trillion from federal programs and urges the U.S. Senate to reject it.
Witnesses representing advocacy groups, labor, faith organizations and disability services described the potential state impacts. Laura Waddell of New Jersey Citizen Action said hospitals could lose billions in Medicaid funding and cited an estimated 1.8 million New Jerseyans who depend on New Jersey Family Care. Crystal Charley of Greater Mount Zion and other witnesses emphasized the particular harm to maternal care, noting that Medicaid covers a substantial share of births in the state.
Speakers also described the human impacts of cuts: Sarah Lillia, a faith‑based advocate, read constituents’ fears about losing long‑term care and pediatric services; Donald Campbell of the Atlantic Center for Independent Living said cuts could force people with disabilities into institutions and remove supports that allow independent living.
On the motion to release SR126, a few senators expressed reservations about national versus New Jersey‑specific impacts and asked for clarifications, but after brief remarks the committee released the resolution. The chair adjourned the hearing.
