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Idaho Democrats Host Town Halls Against Medicaid Cuts

2/3/2026

Center

Democrats Challenge Medicaid Cuts

Idaho Democrats organize four February town halls to gather input on proposed Medicaid cuts.
Senate minority leaders criticize Republican leaders for not holding public hearings on the budget cuts.
Governor Brad Little's budget proposal includes $22 million in Medicaid cuts, reducing dental coverage and care for people with disabilities.
The Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee has not traditionally held public hearings, Democrats say past hearings provided crucial feedback on budget impacts.

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Sanders Fights Medicaid Cuts

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced an amendment to redirect $75 billion funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to Medicaid, aiming to prevent 700,000 Americans from losing healthcare.
The amendment failed 49–51, despite some Republican support.
Sanders criticized ICE, calling it "Trump's domestic army" and noting violent incidents involving the agency.
He opposed the appropriations bill but said it included funding for community health centers and measures to improve healthcare access.

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Democrats Challenge Medicaid Cuts

Idaho Democrats organize four February town halls to gather input on proposed Medicaid cuts.
Senate minority leaders criticize Republican leaders for not holding public hearings on the budget cuts.
Governor Brad Little's budget proposal includes $22 million in Medicaid cuts, reducing dental coverage and care for people with disabilities.
The Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee has not traditionally held public hearings, Democrats say past hearings provided crucial feedback on budget impacts.

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