Burlington County Commissioners Pass Resolution Urging Congress to Oppose Medicaid Cuts

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — The Burlington County Commissioners adopted a resolution last week opposing federal legislation that would slash billions from Medicaid and make other changes that County officials say will "put thousands of county residents at risk of losing health care and other critical assistance."

The resolution was adopted unanimously by the board on May 14. It calls on the members of New Jersey's congressional delegation to vote against a mammoth reconciliation bill that would impose major changes to Medicaid, Affordable Care Act tax credits and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which County officials say will "help offset trillions in tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans."

The resolution was sent to the offices of all 12 New Jersey members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim.

"More than 70,000 Burlington County residents depend on Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for their health care, and thousands more rely on the Affordable Care Act's expanded tax credits to keep their private coverage affordable or SNAP to meet basic food needs. We cannot remain silent when these residents are being put at risk," said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. "This resolution clearly states our board's opposition to the proposed changes that threaten to rob vulnerable residents of basic resources and services they depend upon. It also calls on our entire New Jersey Congressional delegation to unite and vote against them."

"Making changes to these programs to increase the bureaucratic red tape and requirements so that individuals and families lose their coverage or benefits is unconscionable and will cause severe harm to Burlington County families, communities, hospitals and our economy," said Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. "As Burlington County leaders it is our duty to voice our opposition to this harmful legislation and encourage our congressional delegation to do the same."