Gov. Ferguson addresses Medicaid cuts that could affect 2 million Washingtonians
SEATTLE — Gov. Bob Ferguson held a press conference on Thursday to address Congress’s proposed cuts to Medicaid, which could impact health care access for nearly 2 million residents of Washington state.
President Trump’s 1,116-page “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was passed by House Republicans Thursday morning. The bill includes provisions to make 2017 tax cuts permanent, allocates over $46 billion for the construction of a southern border wall, and provides $4 billion to hire additional border agents and customs officers. It also proposes $150 billion more for defense spending.
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To fund these initiatives, the bill suggests a nearly $800 billion reduction to Medicaid, introducing work requirements that could potentially remove millions from the program.
The press conference featured several speakers, including Sommer Kleweno Walley, CEO of Harborview Medical Center, and members of healthcare unions SEIU 775 and SEIU 1199. A parent of a child with disabilities who relies on Medicaid was also present.
