Antonio Testifies at U.S. House Committee Task Force Hearing on Ohio Medicaid Waiver Program

Today, Ohio Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) testified at the first hearing of a U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform task force investigating Ohio’s Medicaid waiver program.

“Today’s hearing should have focused on rooting out fraud, protecting public resources, and addressing the everyday concerns of working families–not political distractions. I welcomed the opportunity to speak on the real challenges facing Ohio families–rising costs, affordable healthcare, utility bills, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. 

Instead, Republicans chose to focus on allegations of Medicaid fraud in other states while ignoring the real challenges facing Ohioans. What was especially disheartening was the shocking and appalling racist rhetoric directed at Ohio’s Somali communities – rhetoric rooted in harmful stereotypes, discriminatory assumptions, and broad generalizations about an entire population. Somali Americans, like all immigrant communities across our country, contribute immensely to the strength and success of our state. Ohio is stronger because of its diversity. Our differences are not a weakness to be feared, but a strength to be embraced.

Republicans' one-party veto-proof rule has controlled the state for the last 15 consecutive years. They hold the House, the Senate, the Governor’s Office, and the four statewide offices. If there is fraud in Medicaid, it has happened on the Republican majority's watch. We must maintain fiscal responsibility, while ensuring that Medicaid is available to those eligible: people who are aged, blind, disabled, children and families in need.”

The full hearing can be viewed here, and Leader Antonio’s full testimony can be found here.