Nina Schwalbe announces her candidacy for Congress in the upcoming election.
This week, nearly 43,500 residents of New York City face the imminent loss of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as the Trump administration’s new work requirements come into effect. Approximately 40% of those impacted are young adults aged 18 to 30, a demographic often ineligible for exemptions and frequently unaware of impending deadlines that could hinder their access to essential food assistance.
This potential upheaval unfolds against a broader backdrop of significant policy changes. The administration’s proposal to significantly cut Medicaid could potentially endanger health insurance coverage for approximately 1.5 million New Yorkers and strip an estimated .5 billion from local hospitals and the healthcare sector. Simultaneously, Congress is poised to authorize .5 trillion in tax reductions primarily benefiting corporations and high-income earners.
Medicaid plays a crucial role in the lives of 6.5 million New Yorkers, covering two-thirds of nursing home residents and nearly half of the state’s children. The elimination of funding could lead to the closure of hospitals, the shuttering of nursing homes, and increased hardship for families who depend on these vital services.
In response to these looming challenges, I am announcing my candidacy for Congress. With a professional background in public health, I understand that the gap between countries that successfully safeguard their citizens’ health and those that do not stems not from financial resources or knowledge, but from a lack of political will.
To address these issues, I propose the “Healthy People, Healthy Democracy Act,” a comprehensive bill designed to lower prescription drug costs by expanding Medicare’s negotiation authority and linking federal research funding to reasonable pricing. This legislation aims to bolster community health centers to ensure access to quality primary care for all, irrespective of insurance status, and to secure funding for safety net hospitals.
The proposed legislation is designed to enhance and expand Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which more than 30% of our district’s population relies upon. Additionally, the bill seeks to gradually reduce the Medicare eligibility age, advancing towards a universal single-payer healthcare system. A restoration of full SNAP benefits is also a critical component, as nutrition is intrinsically tied to overall health.
While many candidates in the primary may advocate for the restoration of public health funding, it is crucial to have a clear plan for moving forward. I possess the experience necessary to navigate the complexities of healthcare reform effectively. Throughout my career, I have championed lower drug prices, recognizing that taxpayer investment in research should translate into affordable medications for everyone.
Having lived in this district throughout my life, I deeply understand the personal and communal stakes involved. My commitment is to ensure that our community receives the health care and democratic representation it deserves. As Congress begins the important work of reversing the detrimental actions of the current administration, New Yorkers require a representative who is prepared to manage substantial government systems and advocate for prudent fiscal policies — a role that I am ready to undertake.
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