Gov. Bob Ferguson decries federal funding cuts under budget bill passed in Washington, D.C.

Gov. Bob Ferguson condemned the recent federal funding cuts in Washington arising from a budget bill passed by Republicans in Congress. He characterized the legislation as the "Big Betrayal of a Bill," predicting a $3 billion loss in Medicaid funding that would impact over 250,000 residents. This funding cut could lead to hospital closures, further straining the state's healthcare system. The bill also includes a one-year moratorium on Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, which would mean an $11 million loss for the organization.

Ferguson expressed confidence in the state's ability to backfill those dollars if Planned Parenthood's lawsuit fails. He emphasized that the funds would be sourced from Washington's Health Care Authority. Additionally, he criticized cuts to the SNAP food assistance program, asserting that rural areas would disproportionately bear the burden. Ferguson warned that these funding reductions would have long-lasting effects on residents' access to essential services.