FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/1/2025
Statement from WSTU on the Government Shutdown and Attacks on American Healthcare
Westmont, IL — As the government shutdown continues, our union condemns the reckless actions of President Trump and Congressional Republicans that brought us to this point. This shutdown isn’t just about political dysfunction — it’s about a deliberate choice to prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy over the health and well-being of working families.
This summer, the Trump White House and Republican leaders in Congress pushed through a Big, Ugly tax law that slashed Medicaid. Now they’re okay with allowing healthcare tax credits for millions of Americans to expire.
These cuts will create a full-blown healthcare crisis that hurts everyone. Hospitals and clinics will be forced to close or cut services. Millions will lose their insurance and those who keep it will have to pay higher premiums, all so that corporations and the ultra-rich can pocket even more in tax giveaways.
In our state, this means an average premium increase of 56% for Affordable Care Act marketplace enrollees.
Now, rather than fixing the damage they’ve done, Republicans have chosen to hold the government hostage, refusing to fund essential services unless their harmful policies remain in place. It's a disgrace, and it's working people who are suffering the consequences.
When the federal government shuts down, everyone loses – from the average citizen to the workers not getting paid. And it’s happening because the Republican-controlled Congress and White House are choosing to shut it down instead of passing a budget that protects our health care and keeps costs from rising even further.
We call on the president and Republicans in Congress to work with Democrats and find a solution that all Americans deserve — one that protects healthcare, lowers costs, and keeps the government open.