Amid Rep. Kiggans Controversy Over Racist Remarks, Advocates Warn Medicaid Cuts Threaten Care in Majority-Black Community, Urge Rep. Kiggans to Stop Voting for Cuts
Franklin, VA – Advocates, health care experts, and impacted individuals gathered on Tuesday to discuss the direct impact that Medicaid cuts in the Republican Tax Law have on the majority-Black community in Franklin, Virginia, where Southampton Medical Center is at risk of closure.
This comes as Rep. Kiggans is under fire for agreeing to racist remarks about Leader Hakeem Jeffries on a Richmond radio show. Just last year, Rep. Kiggans voted for major legislation that disproportionately harms this majority-Black community in her district. Rep. Kiggans has an opportunity to stand with the Black constituents in her district by voting to reinstate Medicaid funding and ensure no family loses care because they can’t afford it.
“As a physician, I spent decades seeing how preventative care saves lives. When people can afford regular checkups and medications, we can catch problems early before they turn into emergencies,” said Dr. Albert Harris, retired physician from Franklin. “These Medicaid cuts are going to force more people to delay care until they are really sick. That is going to put a strain on our hospital, raise costs for everyone, and weaken the health of our entire community.”
Dr. Albert Harris addressing the crowd | Credit: Affordable Virginia
When Rep. Jen Kiggans voted for the Republican Tax Law, she slashed Medicaid for 260,000 Virginians who rely on it. The impact is already being felt in Franklin, where the community depends on Southampton Medical Center for care. For many, Southampton Medical Center is the only source of emergency medical care within 36 miles. Hospital closures also mean lost jobs and harm for communities already stretched thin.
“We are called to bear one another’s burdens and care for the least among us. Right now, these health care cuts are hurting our neighbors, our seniors, and our children here in Franklin, where so many families rely on Medicaid to see a doctor and stay healthy,” said Dr. Eric Majette, Pastor of New Life Church. “This is a strong community. We are here lifting up our voices and standing together for justice and compassion for every child and every family.”
Dr. Eric Majette addressing the crowd | Credit: Affordable Virginia
These cuts disproportionately harm Black families, especially those in rural communities, who are more likely to rely on Medicaid due to longstanding inequities. Across the country, nearly a third of Black people rely on Medicaid, and that number goes up to almost 60% for Black children. More than 40% of children in Franklin receive their health coverage through Medicaid or CHIP.
“Rep. Jen Kiggans was elected to represent all of her constituents, including the families, seniors, veterans, and children who rely on Medicaid to access their health care,” said Emily Yeatts, Campaign Director for Affordable Virginia. “Rep. Jen Kiggans’ can start to take responsibility for her disgusting words through her votes and actions. It’s time for her to stop voting for devastating health care cuts that hurt communities like Franklin and start standing up for the people she was sent to serve.”
