Month: July 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Louisiana Democratic Party Disability Caucus Condemns “Big Beautiful Bill” for Harming Vulnerable Communities

Lynette Bech and Jonathan Loveall, Co-Chairs

Baton Rouge, LA — July 4, 2025— The Louisiana Democratic Party Disability Caucus strongly disapproves of the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” which slashes funding for essential assistance programs, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, and Medicare.

These devastating cuts will directly impact Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations—low-income families, people with disabilities, and seniors—many of whom depend on these programs for food, healthcare, and basic stability.

Additionally, the bill fails to include the critical tax credits and subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a move that will cause health insurance premiums to rise for thousands of Louisianans.

“This bill is an attack on the dignity and survival of people who are already struggling,” said Lynette Bech, Co- Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Disability Caucus. “It punishes the disabled, the elderly, and the working poor to fund an agenda that does not reflect the values or priorities of our state.”

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, over 1.9 million residents are currently enrolled in Medicaid. Cutting funding to this program alone puts nearly 40% of the state’s population at risk.

“We need to hold accountable every lawmaker who voted for this reckless bill,” said Debbie McCloud, Caucus Member and disability rights advocate. “They ignored the needs of their constituents, and we won’t forget that in November.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party Disability Caucus is calling on residents across the state to speak out, mobilize, and vote for representatives who will protect—not punish—our most vulnerable communities.

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Statement from the Chair: Passage of the “Big, Beautiful Bill” and our Plan to Fight

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Democratic Party stands in firm opposition to the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” a deeply harmful piece of legislation that will devastate working families, seniors, children, and the most vulnerable members of our state. Louisiana’s citizens’ sustainable health and very lives depend on having access to affordable medical care. 

Behind the flashy name lies a cruel agenda. This bill includes sweeping cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)—vital programs that millions of Louisianans rely on to survive and live with dignity.

What’s at Stake:

●       Medicare Cuts:
The bill slashes funding for Medicare, threatening the health and well-being of over 850,000 Louisiana seniors and people with disabilities who depend on it for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and hospital care.

●       Medicaid Cuts:
Medicaid, which covers more than 1.9 million Louisiana residents, including low-income families, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, faces severe reductions. These cuts will force families to choose between medical care and putting food on the table. 33 of our rural hospitals will close with the passage of this bill.

●       Food Stamps (SNAP) Restrictions:
At a time when food insecurity is rising, the bill imposes harsh restrictions on SNAP benefits, disproportionately harming children, single mothers, and working-class Louisianans who are already struggling to keep up with the cost of living.

This bill does not reflect Louisiana values. It is an attack on our neighbors, our communities, and our future. It places the burden of budget cuts on everyday people while protecting massive tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy. This bill will severely obstruct and in many cases, eliminate the ability of the state to deliver lifesaving medical treatment to over a million of Louisiana’s citizens who desperately depend on affordable medical care. 

We Fight Back:

Once again, Louisiana’s Republican Delegation has placed self-serving political agendas before the wellbeing of our citizens. The Louisiana Democratic Party will not stand by as Washington politicians and their enablers in Baton Rouge push policies that punish our people. We will mobilize, organize, and stand with families, seniors, healthcare workers, and advocates to fight back against the devastating effects of this legislation on our state. We want to hear from and work with you directly, and we will be traveling parish by parish on our Fight For Our Lives Tour to listen to your concerns, share resources, and stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight to protect your health, your dignity, and your future.

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