COLORADO — A sweeping new GOP-backed bill aiming to slash Medicaid and SNAP funding has ignited a wave of concern and criticism in Colorado and across the country, as lawmakers, health advocates, and analysts warn that the move could strip millions of Americans of health coverage and deepen poverty.
The legislation, known as the GOP megabill, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and now awaits President Trump’s signature. If enacted, it could dramatically reshape health care access and food security for working families — with Colorado projected to be among the hardest hit.
Colorado Leaders Speak Out: ‘This Hurts Working Families’
Democratic leaders in the Colorado legislature were quick to condemn the bill. House President James Coleman (D-Denver) said the legislation was “crafted to benefit billionaires” at the direct expense of everyday Coloradans, accusing the bill of gutting investments in both health care and public education.
“Make no mistake,” Coleman said. “This isn’t about balancing the budget — it’s about shifting wealth upward while communities suffer.”
Speaker Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) echoed the alarm, warning the state could lose over $1 billion in federal funding, jeopardizing initiatives in education, behavioral health, and housing. “This bill isn’t just a threat to Medicaid or SNAP — it threatens our entire budgetary foundation,” McCluskie said.
Up to 12 Million Could Lose Health Coverage
An independent analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill could push nearly 12 million Americans off Medicaid coverage, with ripple effects felt in every state. Colorado officials say the impact would force the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) into impossible funding decisions.
Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver) decried the move as prioritizing corporations and wealthy individuals. “It’s a handout for the rich and a gut punch to working families,” he said.
House Majority Leader Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge) added that the legislation would “undo years of effort to make Colorado more affordable,” predicting that hundreds of thousands could lose access to essential services.
Legislators Blast Final Votes by Republicans Evans and Hurd
Colorado Democrats also pointed fingers at Reps. Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd, both Republicans, for casting the final votes needed to pass the bill. JBC Chair Jeff Bridges (D-Arapahoe County) called their actions “reckless,” arguing the long-term consequence will be higher health insurance costs for everyone — even those not on Medicaid.
JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) and JBC Member Judy Amabile (D-Boulder) warned that social service programs could face “slash and burn” style cuts, leaving the most vulnerable Coloradans — including children, seniors, and the disabled — without support.
What’s Next? Pressure Mounts Ahead of Trump Signature
The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk, with advocates urging him to veto it. Meanwhile, community groups, health care organizations, and food banks are bracing for fallout, preparing for a surge in need if the funding cuts take effect.
Colorado’s Democratic leaders are also expected to explore state-level mitigation strategies, though most admit it would be nearly impossible to fully offset the proposed federal reductions.
Are you a Colorado resident or health care worker concerned about the impact of these cuts? Share your story in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com — your voice matters in this debate.
