My name is Jimmy Tucker. I have a learning disability, and I am on the autism spectrum. In school and in adult life, I never felt like I fit in. I've always felt different, and that made things harder for me. But Medicaid-funded programs have helped me find my way. These are the supports I rely on every day. Without them, I'd be lost.
Now, those supports are in danger.
The budget being proposed by Republicans in Congress would cut $880 billion from Medicaid. When I first heard about it, I felt terrified and angry. I was faced with the reality of losing services that helped me live my life. I wanted to cry—not just for me, but for my friends, my peers, my disability community, and seniors, too. We all depend on Medicaid.
If I lost these services, I would be heartbroken. I wouldn't be able to move forward with my goals and my personal growth. I would feel like I'm going back-ward, with no direction or hope. I know I would get depressed. These services are that important...