MONTCLAIR, N.J. — Rep. Mikie Sherrill on Saturday slammed Senate Republicans for advancing legislation she says would reduce Medicaid access for thousands in New Jersey and increase annual household costs for families.
In a post on X, Sherrill said the bill “would cut Medicaid for thousands of New Jerseyans and force families to pay thousands of dollars more on their utility bills and mortgages each year.” She linked the measure to a growing affordability crisis, stating the bill would “only add fire” to economic pressures already facing residents.
While the bill’s full details remain undisclosed, Republican senators pushed the measure forward late into the night. It comes amid ongoing debates over federal funding allocations and budget cuts targeting entitlement programs and energy regulations.
Sherrill, a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 11th District and a declared candidate for governor, positioned herself in opposition to both the legislation and Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. She pointed to Ciattarelli’s public endorsement of the bill, writing, “@Jack4NJ has thrown his full support behind it, saying it would be a ‘major victory.’”
She is painting her Democrat party as the solution to New Jersey’s problems, although her party has been in control of New Jersey’s legislature for decades, and under Phil Murphy for eight years.
The legislation’s progress drew criticism from several Democratic lawmakers nationwide, who warned of the potential economic and healthcare impacts on low- and middle-income families.
Sherrill ties bill to gubernatorial campaign
The dispute has surfaced in the early stages of the New Jersey governor’s race, where Sherrill and Ciattarelli are expected to face off in a competitive contest. Sherrill framed her stance on the bill as part of her campaign message.
“As governor, I’ll fight to protect programs New Jerseyans rely on and work to make life easier, not harder, for families,” she wrote on social media.
Medicaid enrollment in New Jersey exceeds 2 million residents, according to the state’s Department of Human Services. Changes to federal Medicaid funding or eligibility could affect a wide swath of families, particularly in lower-income counties.
Critics argue the bill only cuts healtchare to illegal migrants living in New Jersey.
The bill is expected to face further debate when the Senate reconvenes after the July 4 recess.
