Article Summary –
Rich Forsman, originally a conservative, shifted his political stance after realizing that the Republican party’s professed values, such as fiscal conservatism, were not reflected in its actions, leading him to become an economic pragmatist concerned with the rising costs for the middle class. Forsman is actively opposing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by House Republicans to fund tax cuts for the wealthy, as it threatens to slash Medicaid and other assistance programs, potentially increasing the national debt and causing millions to lose healthcare coverage. Community leaders and organizations like the Pennsylvania Health Access Network and SEIU Healthcare are working to educate the public about the bill’s detrimental effects, which could result in job losses for healthcare providers and significant harm to Pennsylvania’s healthcare system.
Rich Forsman from Camp Hill once identified as politically conservative, raised in a Republican family valuing fiscal responsibility. A friend prompted him to reassess his political beliefs.
“I support sound fiscal policy, like budget balancing—values Republicans claim to uphold,” Forsman remarked. “But Republican administrations haven’t shown fiscal restraint. Unfunded wars began under Republican presidents.”
Forsman shifted perspectives in the early 2000s, realizing the party’s promised values like fiscal conservatism and Christian ethics were largely rhetorical. Now a network engineer, he’s an economic pragmatist worried about middle-class cost of living. Forsman joined neighbors to oppose the congressional Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act and is part of the Pennsylvania 10th District Network, advocating against the bill in the state’s 10th Congressional District.
In May, House Republicans passed a bill to offset Trump’s tax cuts for wealthy Americans. The bill slashes billions from Medicaid and food assistance, increases the national debt by trillions, and could cause millions to lose healthcare coverage.
The legislation boosts incomes for the wealthiest while those earning under $51,000 could lose $700 annually, according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model. The Senate’s version proposes deeper Medicaid cuts and is up for a vote. Passage would send it back to the House, then to the president who backs it.
In Pennsylvania, the bill may force hundreds of thousands off Medicaid and food assistance, close hospitals, and eliminate jobs. Health clinics, including Planned Parenthood, might close.
Forsman said, “Our tax structure is flawed, favoring the billionaire class at the expense of the working class.” Republicans, he noted, seem to exploit the system, slashing decent jobs and wages.
‘The interest in getting involved has exploded’
Forsman is among many in Pennsylvania working to protect Medicaid, urging Republicans to reconsider their unpopular stance, shown by polling. All but five Pennsylvania House Republicans voted for the legislation. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll found 42% oppose it. A Quinnipiac University poll showed 53% disapproval. KFF Health Tracking poll reports 64% disapprove.
In light of Trump’s declining approval ratings, more people are politically active, particularly against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Forsman said. “Interest in activism has surged,” he noted, referencing anti-Trump protests in Harrisburg and the increasing involvement in the Pennsylvania 10th District Network. Membership has tripled.
Members engage in advocacy, primarily aiming to protect 10th District residents from an administration that Brown University political science professor Corey Brettschneider calls an “assault on democracy.”
In late May, more than 100 constituents of Rep. Scott Perry, who supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, protested Medicaid cuts at Perry’s office, delivering letters expressing distress over cuts affecting 3 million Pennsylvanians, including children, pregnant individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities.
“We see more activism,” Forsman observed, highlighting increased event frequency from various organizations. He also supported Democrat Janelle Stelson’s campaign against Perry.
‘A silent repeal of the Affordable Care Act’
More are speaking against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but community leaders fear many Pennsylvanians remain unaware of its impact, thus intensifying public education efforts about the bill.
Patrick Keenan, from Pennsylvania Health Access Network, warned that 600,000 residents might lose healthcare if the bill passes, echoing the Affordable Care Act‘s repeal. He said the legislation threatens Pennie, the state’s ACA marketplace, raising costs by expiring tax credits.
If passed, hospitals, especially the 47 relying on Medicaid, might close, warned health experts. Val Arkoosh, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, is closely monitoring 75 hospitals facing economic challenges due to Medicaid cuts.
“People need to understand: even if not enrolled in Medicaid or Pennie, the bill affects them with longer wait times and less care availability,” Keenan said. “Uninsured individuals may seek emergency care sicker for lack of primary care access.”
‘Cuts to Medicaid will put hard-working health care providers like me out of a job’
Keenan’s group, along with the Pennsylvania Policy Center in Harrisburg and SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, are working to inform lawmakers and the public about the bill’s potential harm.
Marc Stier from the Pennsylvania Policy Center organized events discussing the bill’s significant income shift from lower to upper classes.
SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania President Matthew Yarnell urged contacting Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick. Though the House passed the bill, it requires another vote if amended by the Senate.
“It betrays hardworking families,” Yarnell stated, criticizing the downplayed Medicaid cuts and debt increase. During Congressional discussions, Keenan emphasized sharing personal Medicaid stories.
In a June press conference, home care worker Lynn Weidner shared concerns over Medicaid cuts, emphasizing her dependence on it for income. “The bill burdens the working class,” Weidner said, revealing job losses for healthcare providers like herself.
—
Read More Pennsylvania News
