To the editor:

Representative Stefanik,

We are writing to express our alarm about the president’s proposed budget cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and health care. We are a group of people with disabilities who would be directly impacted by these draconian measures.

As you may know, my peers and I depend on Medicaid and the food stamp program. These programs are the difference between “making it” and not being able to provide for ourselves. We are not rich people. We don’t have the option of funding health care and food procurement from other sources. Many of us can’t work, and so, are reliant on Social Security income and the attendant programs. It is a fantasy that we are all able bodied individuals who choose not to work out of laziness.

We feel that we are targeted because we have no political clout and do not vote in record numbers. Our struggle to survive precludes almost any self advocacy. We want this to change! The need for self advocacy has never been so apparent.

It all leads to this. We want you to know that the president’s proposed budget cuts have a very real cost. We do not want to feel forgotten.

Thank you for your attention.

Jeffrey Plumley

Saranac Lake