The Importance of Being Ernst: We're All Going to Die

And two things you can do right now!

Senator Joni Ernst's recent remark—“Well, we’re all going to die”—in response to concerns about Medicaid cuts has sparked significant controversy. This flippant comment overlooks the incredible impact such cuts would have on Iowans, particularly in rural communities. Similar impacts are expected all over the country.

Medicaid Cuts: A Threat to Everyone’s Healthcare

The proposed federal budget includes $716 billion in cuts to Medicaid over the next decade. For Iowa, this translates to a potential loss of $518 million in federal funding, jeopardizing healthcare for over 700,000 Iowans and removing upwards of 86,000 residents from Medicaid.¹

Rural hospitals are especially vulnerable. Facilities like MercyOne Newton Medical Center have already suspended services such as labor and delivery, forcing residents to travel at least 30 minutes away - just to give birth.² Further cuts could lead to more suspended services and unit closures. Ultimately, entire hospitals could shut down, which would not only leave entire communities without emergency care and essential services, but it would also leave hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people unemployed because hospitals are often the county’s largest employers, especially in rural parts of the country.

Todd Patterson, CEO of Washington County Hospitals and Clinics, said, “When policymakers... slash Medicaid funding... they are turning off the oxygen for rural health care.”³

SNAP Reductions: Increasing Food Insecurity

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is also facing significant reductions, with proposed cuts totaling nearly $300 billion over the next ten years. In Iowa, this could result in over 116,000 individuals losing access to food assistance, including many children and seniors.⁴

These cuts would not only increase food insecurity but also strain local economies. SNAP benefits support over 3,000 retailers in Iowa, contributing approximately $608 million in economic activity in 2023 alone.⁵ Reducing SNAP funding could lead to decreased sales for these businesses, affecting local employment and economic stability. This would result in job losses across the industry.

Should stores lose upwards of 30% of their revenue, then we could see increased prices to make up for the lost revenue, leading to increased food insecurity for those just above the poverty line. If people cannot afford these higher prices, then stores could ultimately close, exacerbating food insecurity for entire communities. If the program becomes too costly to run, some states may even pull out of it entirely.

The Broader Implications

The combined effect of Medicaid and SNAP cuts would disproportionately impact Iowa's rural communities, where access to healthcare and nutritious food is already limited. Hospitals could close, food insecurity could rise, and local economies would suffer.

Oh, and yes, people will die.

Senator Ernst's dismissive response fails to acknowledge these potential consequences. While mortality is inevitable, the quality and longevity of life for many Iowans depend on the support provided by programs like Medicaid and SNAP. She posted an awful attempt at humor in an apology video. Make no mistake - there’s nothing funny about being an elected official who votes on policies that literally harm their constituents.

Donald Trump won 56% of the vote in Iowa, winning all but 5 counties.

Here’s How to Go From Enraged to Engaged

The budget bill will begin moving through the US Senate and is expected to be voted on by the full body before the July 4th weekend. Call and email your senators often to remind them to make no cuts to SNAP.

• Email your senator: link

• Call the Senate

1. Dial 202-224-3121.

2. A live support agent may answer. If so, ask them to be connected to your Senator.

3. If a robot answers and you do not know the name of your Senator, say, “I’m not sure.”

4. Say, “Senator” and follow the prompts.

5. When connected with the office, you can leave a message with the staffer who answers or ask to be connected to the staffer who works on SNAP.

6. Sample script: “Hi, my name is [your name], and I am a constituent. I would like the Senator to know that I am concerned and troubled about shifting costs to run SNAP from the federal government to the state. Senator should know that our state doesn’t have the budget to make this happen. This is simply a way to have the states cut people off of SNAP rather than Congress doing it themselves. Grocery prices and hunger are increasing in the country and these measures - along with all the SNAP cuts the House proposed - would result in older adults, young families, and veterans going hungry. I want my Senator to speak out and vote against any cuts and to speak with their colleagues in the Senate Ag Committee on the same. Thank you.”

   1. BONUS: share some of your story in that script to really win their hearts.

7. Report in the comments how it went.

1. https://dccc.org/iowans-speaking-out-iowans-fear-cuts-to-medicaid-would-end-critical-supports-for-loved-ones/

2. https://www.newtondailynews.com/news/local/2025/05/27/protestors-fear-proposed-medicaid-cuts-would-close-newton-hospital/

3. https://iowademocrats.org/icymi-ceo-washington-county-hospital-calls-republicans-medicaid-cuts-crisis-iowa-hospitals

4. https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/proposed-snap-cuts-would-cut-benefits-to-tens-of-thousands-of-iowans-advocates-warn

5. https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/SNAP_FactSheets_022525_IA16.pdf