Nice job by Affordable Virginia in putting this together and working to hold Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA02) for her votes in favor of Trump’s cruel, devastating budget. Next year, VA02 has a chance to replace Kiggans with somebody who actually cares about the people of the district – and hopefully they wll take advantage of that opportunity!
Photo credit: Josh Stubbs
Suffolk, VA – Over 50 Suffolk residents gathered Wednesday evening to discuss how they would be affected by the Republican Tax Scam, especially the cuts to essential programs many families in rural Virginia rely on.
Constituents in VA-02 expressed their concern about losing access to health care and view it as being under attack by congressional Republicans, including their representative, Rep. Jen Kiggans. After she signed a do-nothing letter last week, her constituents had a few things to say about her attempt to save face while they continue to struggle and brace for the worst, as the Republican Tax Scam is expected to pass out of the House as soon as today.
“Because of no longer having a job, due to my epilepsy, I rely on Medicaid to pay for my drugs. I have three drugs that I am on that cost $2,500 a month. I also have an implant in my body that keeps me from having life-threatening seizures. It contains a battery, and that battery needs to be changed in two years. So, if I’m off Medicaid, what will I do? I am trying to figure out my alternatives, but I really don’t have any,” said Lynn Frieden, resident of Chesapeake. “Without Medicaid, I don’t know what I’ll do. I keep thinking about all the other people who are wondering the same thing. I am, however, grateful that this room has so many people.”
Photo credit: Josh Stubbs
“I’m here because I’ve volunteered with food pantries in Suffolk and want to talk a little about SNAP. People literally need food and water for survival. Children, most especially, as they need fuel to grow and learn. According to the figures I received from the Suffolk library, about 67% of the kids in Suffolk in 2022 were eligible for nutrition benefits. It’s not like things are on an upswing lately. I was doing some cleaning in the community pantry and chatting with a lady who was shopping; she was saying how her niece could use the baby food there, and adding it to her bag, only to take it right back out and pass it on when a family with a young toddler in tow walked up,” said Natasha Baird, Suffolk resident. “It boggles my mind how many people Republican members of Congress are willing to harm to get this bill passed. Who is really hoarding and taking more than their fair share here? Please join me in telling Kiggans to vote NO on cuts to our social safety net!”
“As expected, Rep. Kiggans was a no-show,” said Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaigns Director. “The stories we heard last night were heartbreaking. Too many families already have too much to worry about. They are trying to make ends meet, and can barely afford to do that, and the few programs in place to help are on the chopping block. Medicaid, SNAP, veteran benefits – these are all programs families in Suffolk rely on, and it’s not because they’re home playing video games. These are military families, children with special needs, seniors, minors – it’s absurd to suggest that people who benefit from these programs are anything less than deserving, but that’s what Rep. Jen Kiggans keeps doing, and we are not optimistic that will change with today’s expected vote.”
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About Affordable Virginia
Affordable Virginia is fighting to make Virginia an affordable place for all. Virginians work hard day in and day out to make ends meet and build a better future for themselves and their families.
