Columbus, Ohio– Yesterday, Republicans on the House Energy & Commerce Committee, including Ohio Representatives Bob Latta, Michael Rulli, and Troy Balderson, took another step towards cutting Medicaid. 

Following a lengthy markup session, Energy and Commerce Republicans voted to advance their budget- including massive cuts to Medicaid. Under the current version of the budget, as many as 770,700 Ohioans are at risk of losing access to affordable healthcare. Ohio is likely to be among the hardest hit states if these extreme Medicaid cuts become reality. 

Cuts to healthcare are deeply unpopular in Ohio, even in the most republican leaning congressional districts. It’s not surprising that the three Ohio Republicans on Energy & Commerce have refused to show up for town halls with their constituents. Latta and Rulli both declined direct invitations to join town halls, with Rulli calling one event a “pathetic spectacle.” Balderson sent his staff to hold an event instead of showing up himself. 

“While billionaires enjoy the tax breaks politicians fought so hard for in this budget, Ohio families will grapple with sky-high healthcare costs,” said Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman Katie Seewer. “We’re calling on all members of Ohio’s Republican congressional delegation to do the right thing and vote against a budget that prioritizes billionaires over the health of their constituents.”

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