NEWARK, N.J. – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a virtual town hall with Indivisible One New Jersey (IONJ) where he was joined by New Jerseyans throughout the state, speaking to them about Republicans’ government shutdown and answering their questions about Republicans’ refusal to work with Democrats on a government funding bill that will address the health care crisis Republicans have manufactured.

From Senator Booker: “I heard from New Jerseyans up and down our state who are worried about the looming tsunami of higher health care prices, at a time when their costs are going up on everything from groceries to energy. Americans want Republicans to drop the excuses, come to the negotiating table, and work with Democrats to pass a government funding bill that will address the looming tsunami of higher health care prices and get our government open. Working families in New Jersey should not be forced to choose between bankruptcy or their medicines, but that is the health care crisis Republicans have manufactured with their government shutdown. I made clear to the New Jerseyans I spoke with that I will continue to stand up for the people of our state and demand a resolution to the shutdown that addresses their spiking health care costs, no matter how long or how tough the fight.”

"Indivisible One New Jersey (IONJ), the statewide network of New Jersey’s Indivisible groups, appreciates Senator Cory Booker for sharing his time with us, and for his commitment to an open dialogue with the grassroots. As Indivisible Co-Executive Director Ezra Levin said, ‘Republicans are in charge. They have the trifecta. And they’re the ones refusing to govern. Democrats – keep holding the line. The GOP is trying to run out the clock, but patience and persistence are on your side.’ We commend Senator Booker’s steadfast opposition to this appalling overreach, and we strongly support his continued criticism and resolution," said IONJ Steering Committee.

BACKGROUND: TRUMP & GOP SEEK TO UNDERMINE NEW JERSEY FAMILIES’ HEALTH CARE

  • 352,000 people in New Jersey receive critical tax credits that help lower their monthly premium payments.
  • For a family of four in New Jersey earning $130K a year, their annual premiums would increase by over $11,000, representing an over 100% increase.
  • For a family of four in New Jersey earning $64K a year, their annual premiums would increase by over $2500. That is a 222% increase.
  • Health care costs for hospitals and other health care providers in New Jersey will increase by hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade.
  • The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBA) and Expiration of the ACA Enhanced Tax Credits combined are projected to increase the uninsured population by roughly 390K people in New Jersey.