ANCOR Issues Statement on House Budget Reconciliation Vote

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, in response to the U.S. House passage of its budget legislation, ANCOR released the following statement:

“Protecting Medicaid is necessary to protect people with disabilities. The U.S. House voted today to approve a total of at least $715 billion in cuts to federal health programs, with Medicaid bearing the brunt of those reductions, thereby putting people with disabilities in jeopardy of losing access to crucial supports and services,” said Barbara Merrill, chief executive officer at ANCOR. “Even though the approved cuts are not directly aimed at community-based services, the non-mandatory nature of these supports means people with disabilities will be harmed as a result. The health, safety and quality of life of people with disabilities hinges on a robust and adequately resourced Medicaid program. Their right to live full and independent lives in their communities—rights we should all be able to enjoy—hangs in the balance.

“We now call on lawmakers in the Senate to protect people with disabilities from the very real, very harmful consequences of cutting Medicaid. We urge all Senators to reject Medicaid cuts and to consider the impact of reducing the supports many of us take for granted that enable us to live, work and thrive in our communities. All lawmakers should remember that real lives of real people, and the very prosperity and well-being of people with disabilities, are at stake when you take up this budget legislation.”

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