I am writing in response to express my strong opposition to Scott Timko’s candidacy since learning that he believes that Medicare and Medicaid should be defunded.

These federal programs are invaluable for thousands of Butler County residents. Medicare provides health coverage for seniors who have paid into the system their entire lives. Medicaid is a necessary safety net for low-income families, children, people with disabilities and residents in long-term care facilities.

Timko may believe defunding them is fiscally responsible, but in fact it would not be a money-saver. It would put healthcare costs on families who are already stretched by expenses and would burden our emergency rooms while devastating our local hospitals that depend on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements to stay open. The last thing we need is more hospitals closing, causing longer wait times and more driving when seconds count.

There’s no doubt that our nation’s healthcare system is desperately in need of some kind of reform. But if Timko favors cutting federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, it’s scary to think about what state-level programs he might send to the chopping block as well.

I urge my Butler County neighbors to look closely at what gutting Medicare and Medicaid would mean for our community, and to vote accordingly in November. I’ve done that, and that’s why I’m casting my ballot for Brandon Dukes.

Carmella Greacen,

Cranberry Township