'DEVASTATING': Red state governor says 200,000 residents will lose health care because of bill

Budget Bill Impact - The proposed budget bill is expected to significantly impact healthcare and food assistance programs, potentially leading to adverse consequences for vulnerable populations [1] - The bill includes substantial cuts to Medicaid by $930 billion and food assistance by $285 billion [1][2] - The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nearly 12 million Americans could become uninsured by 2034 if the bill is enacted, and an additional 3 million may lose SNAP benefits [2] Kentucky Impact - Kentucky anticipates devastating effects from the bill, with an estimated 200,000 residents losing healthcare coverage and 20,000 healthcare workers potentially losing their jobs [4] - Approximately 35 rural hospitals in Kentucky are at risk of closure, which could negatively impact local economies and access to healthcare [5] - The administrative costs imposed on Kentucky due to the bill are estimated at an additional $66 million [10] Economic Consequences - The bill is projected to negatively affect worker productivity due to increased travel times for medical appointments and the need to care for family members who lose Medicaid coverage [6] - The healthcare sector, a rapidly growing segment of the economy, is expected to experience job losses across America as a result of the bill [8][9] - The bill is criticized for potentially adding trillions of dollars to the federal debt and straining state budgets [11] Political Implications - The governor suggests that some members of Congress may be prioritizing party loyalty over the interests of their constituents in supporting the bill [14][15] - The governor believes that the bill's negative impacts on healthcare and the economy will provoke a strong negative reaction from voters across party lines [18] - Democrats may use the issues raised by the bill as a political opportunity in future campaigns, focusing on how it makes people's lives harder [19][21]