1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

Because I am a registered Democrat, I understand we aren't going to see eye-to-eye on every issue. This includes the OBBB that stands before the house for a vote. I want to remind you that 2024 saw more than 5 million Floridians enrolled in Medicare, 577,000 in Medicaid (https://www.kff.org/statedata/election-state-fact-sheets/florida/). Not only will the passing of OBBB effect each person receiving these services, it will effect others in small towns whose Healthcare provider will not be able to continue operating with funds provided by these Healthcare measures. This not only includes three neighborhood clinics (Florida Health - Orange City and Daytona Beach, and Family Health Source - Deltona) but the larger health systems such as Halifax and AdventHealth. While the larger institutions will not close, they will have to adjust their budgets, causing people to lose their jobs with no other options for a career that match their current skillset. This horrific shift can cause existential issues for an economy as delicately balanced as Volusia County. This doesn't begin to scratch the surface of the people who will not be able to find care when they need it. Please, please consider these issues as you cast your vote today. I know there is a lot of pressure on you to vote for the bill, but I strongly urge you to consider your constituents who will be adversely affected by this change to coverage. This change will impact those who do not understand what this bill will actually do to them. Because of this lack of understanding, it becomes an even braver move for you to take a stand against this bill. Find your strength and courage to do the right thing for the people of Volusia County.