Several Democratic governors voiced their apprehension regarding President Trump's proposed Medicaid cuts and the effects of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on their states during a press conference preceding the National Governors Association's winter meeting in Washington, D.C.
The governors highlighted the crucial role of Medicaid in providing essential healthcare services to their constituents, expressing concerns about the potential consequences of budget reductions. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont emphasized the life-or-death nature of Medicaid for many citizens and voiced his worries about DOGE's increasing influence across government agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Governor Lamont characterized the situation as a "budgetary crisis" and criticized the unpredictability of the proposed cuts, stating that they would make planning extremely difficult. He also expressed skepticism about DOGE's effectiveness, suggesting that it might shift costs onto states and individuals rather than achieving genuine savings.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green echoed these sentiments, calling DOGE "cruel" and highlighting the impact on dedicated government employees who face job losses. He shared Hawaii's initiative to hire displaced federal workers, emphasizing the value of their experience while acknowledging the challenges posed by budget cuts.
The governors questioned the rationale behind the proposed cuts, expressing concerns about the potential loss of essential services for Americans. They also emphasized their commitment to efficient government and their ongoing efforts to identify and address fraud and waste, suggesting that collaboration with the federal government would be more effective than DOGE's approach.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reiterated the governors' commitment to efficient government and expressed skepticism about DOGE's ability to achieve meaningful savings. She urged greater collaboration between the federal government and states in identifying and addressing fraud and waste.
The Democratic governors called on more Republicans to oppose the proposed cuts and pledged to hold the administration accountable for its actions.
