TOMS RIVER, NJ – A Stafford Township resident pressed Ocean County officials for the fourth time to formally oppose proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP programs, warning they would strip vital healthcare and food assistance from millions nationwide.
Speaking at the July 2 county commissioners meeting, Barbara Crystal of Bulkhead Avenue called on the board to pass a resolution against the Senate’s version of the Budget Reconciliation Bill, which she said would remove $1.5 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP to fund tax breaks for corporations and the wealthiest Americans. Crystal said the cuts would leave 16 million people without healthcare and add trillions to the national debt.
She cited enrollment data showing nearly two million New Jersey residents on Medicaid in 2024, including hundreds of thousands of children, seniors, and people with disabilities in the congressional districts of Reps. Jeff Van Drew (CD2) and Chris Smith (CD4). Crystal questioned how lawmakers who hold strong pro-life ratings could support legislation she says would harm maternal and child health.
In response, Commissioner Director Jack Kelly read a letter from Rep. Smith, who defended his support for the House version of the bill, “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” HR 1. Smith wrote that the measure preserves Medicaid benefits for eligible populations, implements work or volunteer requirements for able-bodied recipients, and introduces anti-fraud provisions, while also providing tax relief for seniors and working families.
Smith emphasized that exemptions from work requirements would protect children, pregnant women, seniors, caregivers, and medically frail individuals. He also highlighted provisions aimed at reducing wasteful Medicaid spending and addressing pharmacy benefit manager practices.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Key Points
- Resident urges county to oppose Senate bill cutting Medicaid and SNAP by $1.5 trillion.
- Rep. Chris Smith says bill protects vulnerable recipients while adding work requirements for able-bodied adults.
- Bill includes anti-fraud measures and tax relief for seniors.
