My Letter to Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler

Dear Representative, thank you for your advocacy regarding preparation for the Corona Virus. I agree that Clark County needs to be especially prepared, since we already have our first positive test, and because Clark County has about 500 residential health care facilities, including eight skilled nursing facilities, 30 assisted living facilities, and more than 450 adult family homes.

Many of the residents in these facilities rely on both Medicare and Medicaid funding to live. In fact, Medicaid provides residential placement for 65,000 clients state-wide, and this funding also supports clients in their own homes with care and caregiver support. The majority of Washington Medicaid funding supports seniors and people with disabilities. Cuts to Medicare or Medicaid would be * devastating * to Washington, especially Clark County.

Clark County has a higher than average number of seniors, in part because we are a retirement destination. 13.7% of Clark County is over the age of 65. Contrast that with Multnomah County, whose 65+ population makes up 11.9% of its population. Our senior population will continue to expand over the next decade as the boomers retire.

Recently, President Trump has repeatedly stated, on CNBC and on Fox, that he intended to cut Social Security and Medicare and "entitlements." He has since tweeted that he would not cut these programs, so it is difficult for me to understand what his intentions actually are. However, your intentions should be clear. You must protect our senior and disabled residents and their families. Please oppose any cuts to Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid funding.

Thank you.

Your constituent, Rachel Brooks