BY PAOLA SACERDOTE
New York District 9 Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke used her October 8 telephone town hall to blame President Donald Trump and the Republic Party for the impact of the government shutdown on Brooklyn residents.
“At the start of the shutdown Democratic leader and our fellow Brooklyn Senator Minority Leader Schumer and House Minority leader Jeffries went to the White House to negotiate a resolution to avoid the shutdown in good faith,” said Clarke. “But Donald Trump and Republicans have nothing but bad intentions.”
It’s was the seventh day of the government shutdown and residents who attended the telephone town hall had the opportunity to share their questions and concerns.
Clarke collaborated on the Q&A with panelists from the New York City Health Department and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
Brooklyn seniors expressed concerns about the stability of their pensions and Social Security benefits during the shutdown. “The issue is that these are central services to our communities and it is my understanding that Social Security benefit payments are not affected by annual appropriations bills and payments as expected,” said Clarke.
Camille Hastick, the Vice President of External Affairs and Government Relations at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, was asked about the potential fallout for small businesses if the enhanced premium tax credit expires at the end of 2025. Hastick stated, “Tax credit system will revert to the pre-enhancement ACA standard, which means stricter income limit, less general subsidies and more out of pocket cost for many individuals.”
Health care was another big topic for Brooklyn local residents. New York State of Health Deputy Director Sonia Sekhar answered questions about the shutdown’s effect on health care. Under the republican plan current tax credit will expire and health care premiums will go up,” she said.
Following up on healthcare, the CEO of One Brooklyn Health Sandra Scott, spoke on potential changes with Medicaid. "Individuals should understand the eligibility that impacts them, but most importantly to know about our wellness and stay healthy to avoid the emergency room,” Scott said.
Many research programs addressing health imbalances at SUNY Downstate have been affected over the past nine months, said SUNY Downstate Health Science University President Dr. Wayne J. Riley “Downstate has received significant impact in terms of loss or suspension of federal research grants that are focused on addressing health disparities and health equities in central Brooklyn and in New York City. Because of the current administration’s posture, any research grant that has anything to do with DEI they
suspend and agree to not fund those grants.”
Clarke closed off thanking everyone for attending the call and stating, “The Trump administration allies and congress are not here to play by the rule of law, or abide by the Constitution, they are not here to ensure that your voice in democracy continues to be heard, they want silence.”