SEAN McCANN AND REP. LAUREN UNDERWOOD HEAR FROM SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN HEALTHCARE WORKERS ABOUT CONCERNS OVER HUIZENGA’S HEALTHCARE RECORD

KALAMAZOO, MI — Today, Sean McCann and U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood, a registered nurse, convened a roundtable with healthcare professionals from across Southwest Michigan to hear firsthand about the mounting challenges facing healthcare workers, patients, and providers, and the consequences of federal healthcare policies enacted through the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Healthcare professionals shared their experiences on the front lines, raising concerns about rising healthcare costs, threats to rural hospitals, workforce shortages, and cuts to critical healthcare programs. Participants examined the stark disconnect between Huizenga’s votes in Washington and the needs of Southwest Michigan communities, where patients and providers are left to grapple with the consequences of the policies he has supported.

“Every day, healthcare workers across Southwest Michigan show up for our families, care for our loved ones, and make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our communities healthy,” said Sean McCann. “They are there for us during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of our lives, and they deserve a representative who has their backs. Instead, Bill Huizenga has voted for policies that threaten access to care, put more pressure on already stretched-thin hospitals and healthcare workers, and made it harder for families to get the care they need. Our healthcare workers shouldn’t have to fight against Washington just to do their jobs. I hope to bring their voices and their fight for better healthcare to the halls of Congress.”

LINK TO B-ROLL HERE

REMINDER: SEAN’S RECORD ON HEALTHCARE

• Voted to expand Medicaid: McCann voted for Michigan’s 2013 Medicaid expansion legislation (HB 4714), which expanded eligibility for low-income residents.

• Voted to lower prescription drug costs: Voted for SB 483 in 2023 to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, and continued supporting prescription drug affordability legislation.

• Supported protecting rural hospitals: Identified legislation strengthening rural hospitals and improving healthcare access as part of his 2025 legislative priorities.

• Supported maternal and infant healthcare: Voted for legislation (SB 818, SB 820, and HB 5826) addressing maternal health disparities, hospital childbirth policies, and doula scholarships in December 2024.

• Helped expand Rx Kids to Kalamazoo: Supported state budget investments in Rx Kids, which provides financial assistance to pregnant mothers and families with infants.

• Supported reproductive healthcare protections: Identified repealing Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban and protecting access to reproductive healthcare among his legislative accomplishments.

• Backed hospital price transparency and improved breast cancer screening: Reported supporting legislation to improve hospital price transparency and mammogram testing and reporting.

• Supported state funding to offset federal Medicaid cuts: Highlighted Michigan’s $2.7 billion investment intended to counteract federal Medicaid reductions and preserve healthcare access.

• Advocated for protecting healthcare access in Michigan’s budget: Publicly emphasized the importance of Medicaid and healthcare funding for patients, jobs, and rural communities.

Bill Huizenga’s record on healthcare:

• Voted for sweeping Medicaid cuts.

• Supported legislation projected to cost thousands of Southwest Michigan residents their healthcare.

• Voted against extending affordable healthcare subsidies

• Supported cuts to food assistance for vulnerable families.

• Received campaign contributions from pharmaceutical industry interests.

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