FACT CHECK: Rep. Jen Kiggans Touts “Success” of Republican Tax Law, but Numbers Don’t Lie
Virginia Beach, VA – In a recent tele-town hall last, Rep. Jen Kiggans touted the success of the Republican Tax Law, claiming that it will “take care of our military families” and “support rural health systems”.
She also called out ads in the district that highlight her record on cutting veterans’ health care, falsely claiming that they are untrue. Affordable Virginia is running a $2 million ad campaign calling out Rep. Kiggans for her votes to slash programs working families rely on, featuring constituents speaking out against these dangerous cuts, and urging Rep. Kiggans to protect veterans’ benefits and Medicaid.
Let’s take a look at the facts. The Republican Tax Law:
Constitutes the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in U.S. history and threatens the basic needs of thousands of Virginians.
Slashes Medicaid for 260,000 Virginians, including thousands of veterans and military family members in Hampton Roads. One out of ten veterans are on Medicaid, and about 3 million children in military families nationwide are eligible for Medicaid.
Jeopardizes rural hospitals and health care access, including in Franklin, where residents could lose Southampton Medical Center, the only emergency care within 36 miles.
Prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy over working families. The largest benefits flow to the top 1% and corporate interests, while low-income families actually lose money overall.
Guts SNAP food assistance, making it harder for military and rural families to afford groceries. One in four veterans lives in a household that receives SNAP benefits.
“You cannot claim to support military families and rural health care while voting to raise costs for everything from household goods and health insurance, and cut Medicaid and SNAP,” said Emily Yeatts, Campaign Director of Affordable Virginia. “Rep. Jen Kiggans chose to give tax breaks to billionaires over the health and economic security of the families in her district and is now trying to save face. We are urging her to reverse her dangerous health care cuts and put the needs of veterans, rural communities, and working families first.”