Health Insurance Hikes and SNAP Fears Take Center Stage at Bynum’s Press Conference
Rising Healthcare Costs and the Struggle for Access
Democratic Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, alongside members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), recently held a press conference to highlight the growing concerns surrounding rising healthcare costs. The event took place on Saturday as open enrollment began for the renewal of Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage.
Bynum emphasized that healthcare has become the top priority for many individuals. “People have told me over and over again that health care was their No. 1 issue,” she stated. “They wanted to make sure that we had a strong healthcare system, that kids had medicine when they needed it and they could go to the doctor when they needed it and they weren’t going to suffer a medical bankruptcy.”
The Impact of Premium Increases
Steven Kang, who works for Oregon City and serves as the local resource contact for AFSCME members, shared his firsthand experience with the rising costs of health insurance. He mentioned that initial quotes for premium increases were as high as 19%, though this was eventually reduced to around 8 or 9%.
Kang noted that many people are anxious about these increases. “People are terrified,” he said. “There are working families that have children or spouses, or they themselves are fighting a very important medical battle, and they don’t know what they would do if they can’t afford the premiums, if they can’t afford the treatments, and they want to make sure that they can protect their family.”
Threats to SNAP Benefits
Bynum also addressed the challenges facing the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which are at risk due to the government shutdown. “This is not play money or play food,” she said. “This is real nutrition.”
A federal judge recently ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to distribute SNAP benefits as soon as possible after the Trump administration refused to do so. The USDA had previously stated on its website that benefits would be suspended on November 1, citing that “the well has run dry.”
President Donald Trump responded to the court’s order by stating on Truth Social, “I have instructed our lawyers to ask the court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible” and continued, “It will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding.”
A Skeptical Outlook
Despite these statements, Bynum remains skeptical. “Talk is cheap,” she said. “The federal government should move the money immediately and make states whole.”
Community Efforts to Support Those in Need
In the absence of immediate federal action, various local businesses have stepped up to help those affected by the loss of SNAP benefits. Free meals are being offered to those in need, with a list of participating businesses available here.
One such business is Heretic Coffee, which has raised over $300,000 as of Saturday to provide free meals to the community. Donations have come from as far away as Norway, showcasing the widespread support for those struggling during this time.
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