Congressman Paul Tonko will hold a press conference in Albany today to discuss the impact of recent budget cuts passed by the House of Representatives. The 20th District Democrat plans to highlight how these cuts will affect healthcare and food assistance programs nationwide, particularly focusing on Medicaid. According to Tonko, the budget will strip Medicaid coverage from nearly 14 million Americans, affecting many families in the Capital Region.

Tonko has been vocal about the personal stories of constituents who rely on Medicaid. He shared the story of Noëlle and Nathan, parents from Albany, whose 12-year-old daughter Isla has a rare genetic disorder. Medicaid has provided critical support for Isla's care, including a budget for a caregiver and classes. Noëlle expressed fear over the potential loss of Medicaid, saying, "Medicaid changed our life. I can't imagine what our life would be like without it" (Tonko's Office).

Tonko also shared the story of Sara and her son Cameron, a 16-month-old pediatric stroke survivor from Niskayuna, New York. Cameron relies on Medicaid for essential therapies and medical appointments. Sara emphasized the importance of Medicaid, stating, "Anyone can become disabled at any moment and therefore you may not have the coverage you once thought you had" (Tonko's Office).

Tonko argues that the budget cuts prioritize tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations over essential services for vulnerable populations. He urges his colleagues to reconsider these cuts and protect Medicaid recipients. The press conference aims to bring attention to the human impact of these budget decisions and advocate for reversing the cuts.

Jeffrey T. Mason