A PETITION OF RURAL CITIZENS WHO UTILIZE THE COOK AREA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

ADDRESSED TO MINNESOTA 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN PETE STAUBER

THE ISSUE: WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, PASSIONATELY BELIEVE IN THE PRESERVATION, PROTECTION, AND CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE COOK AREA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. THE LOCAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM HAS FAITHFULLY AND TIRELESSLY SERVED OUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS SINCE 1959 AND OUR AREA'S NURSING HOME NEEDS SINCE 1964.

BACKGROUND: ON MAY 22, THE HOUSE PASSED A RECONCILIATION BILL. THIS ACT, THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL, WILL PARTIALLY PAY TO EXTEND EXPIRING TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH BY CUTTING MEDICAID. THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATES THAT THE BILL WOULD REDUCE FEDERAL MEDICAID FUNDING TO MINNESOTA BY OVER $1.2 BILLION ANNUALLY, LEADING TO RURAL HOSPITAL CLOSURES, ELIMINATING ACCESS TO CARE IN ENTIRE COMMUNITIES, AND NURSING HOME SHUTDOWNS FORCING SENIORS TO MOVE FAR FROM FAMILY.

WHY THIS MATTERS: IF MINNESOTA MEDICAID FUNDING IS REDUCED, OUR LOCAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM WILL FACE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP EVEN TOTAL COLLAPSE. BY HAVING A VIBRANT HEALTHCARE CENTER THE LOCAL ECONOMY FLOURISHES, RESIDENTS SAVE MONEY BY REDUCED TRAVELS AND BETTER EMERGENCY OUTCOMES. WE IMPLORE YOU TO OPPOSE ANY AND ALL REDUCTIONS TO MEDICAID FUNDING.