AFSCME NJ Workers Challenge Rep. Kean on Health Care and Cost Crisis

New Jersey Workers Confront Congressman Over Economic Strain

FLEMINGTON, N.J. – Public service workers in New Jersey are raising concerns about the adverse effects of budget cuts on local communities. On Thursday, a group of these workers took action by holding Congressman Thomas Kean Jr. accountable for his role in the ongoing affordability crisis.

Last year, Kean supported the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which significantly reduced funding for Medicaid and Medicare. These actions, along with other federal cutbacks, have increased living costs for residents and reduced essential services.

"Last year, Congressman Kean voted for cuts that devastated funding for critical programs working families rely on. Now, with costs continuing to skyrocket and families continuing to struggle, where does Congressman Kean stand?" questioned AFSCME Council 63 Director Steve Tully. This question was posed during a press conference in Flemington, where members of Local 2220, who are employees at Hunterdon Developmental Center, shared their experiences (AFSCME New Jersey).

Savanah Simeone, a senior program assistant at Hunterdon, expressed concern for the future, fearing that the next generation may face worse conditions than their parents.

"That’s not the American Dream I grew up hearing about. That’s not making America great. We’re going backwards," Simeone stated. "And I’ll tell you why so many working families are worse off: Because the people who are supposed to represent us have chosen to prioritize billionaires and corporations over working people. Funding for health care, education and essential public services is being slashed so tax breaks can continue flowing to the wealthy."

Highlighting the impact of federal policies, Simeone noted, "Congressman Thomas Kean voted for the policies and budget proposals that are dismantling Medicaid, Medicare and affordable health care in our state. Roughly 350,000 New Jerseyans could lose Medicaid coverage outright."

AFSCME members, who provide vital services to New Jersey’s seniors, children, and working families, are urging Kean to oppose policies that favor the affluent over ordinary citizens.

Jackie Mutter, a licensed practical nurse and president of Local 2220, shared how these cuts are affecting both patients and healthcare workers.

"2020 came along and state workers became health care heroes. In 2026, with the passage of The Big Beautiful Bill, we’re health care zeroes," Mutter commented, reflecting on changes since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mutter added, "My co-workers and I are struggling and working overtime to make ends meet, but for some co-workers it’s still not enough. They must rely on SNAP benefits to relieve the burden and make ends meet," referring to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. "Those are the same SNAP benefits Representative Kean and his pals in Congress made historic cuts to, to include the Medicaid and Medicare my patients rely on."

The call for action extends beyond AFSCME members. Cathy Bennett, president and CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association, warned that the state is heading toward a "health care fiscal abyss" (source).

Gerardo Rivera, a senior therapy assistant at Hunterdon, emphasized that these budget cuts have tangible impacts on everyday lives, not just abstract political debates.

"For those of us on the front lines, these aren’t political talking points. The people I care for do not have lobbyists. These decisions have real consequences," Rivera said. "And we’re already seeing it. When health care facilities reduce services or close altogether and workers lose their jobs or lose income while expenses continue to rise, people leave the profession. Burnout increases. Recruitment becomes harder. Retention becomes harder. And again, it is New Jersey’s most vulnerable that ultimately pay the price."