At a town hall at Our Lady of the Lake University, Congressman Joaquin Castro addressed concerns about potential cuts to social programs by the Trump Administration. Around 100 people gathered at Thiry Auditorium on the West Side to share their worries. One attendee told Fox San Antonio, "What am I gonna do, I'm old already I'm handicapped I'm gonna have to get back to work which I've always worked all my life, medical issues right now are a barrier."
Beyond the concerns for Medicare and Medicaid, Castro also raised the issue about the president's approach to the Department of Education. "The president is recklessly trying to, I believe, illegally trying to shut down the department of education," Castro said in a statement obtained by News 4 San Antonio. The Congressman also mentioned VA layoffs and proposed the vision: "If we could build an infrastructure of opportunity for people, great schools and universities, a strong healthcare system so when people get sick they can afford to see the doctor."
Kyle Sinclair, Vice Chair of the Bexar County Republican Party, denied the concerns, calling them fear-mongering, after reportedly being barred from speaking. "I have videos and it's very credible that president trump is not to cut Medicare or Medicaid," Sinclair told Fox San Antonio. Despite these assurances from Sinclair, the air of apprehension was palpable among the attendees.
When asked about potential social program cuts, Castro stated, "The republicans have already passed a budget resolution that calls for these cuts so I think people their right to be concerned and be afraid of that," as mentioned by News 4 San Antonio. His statement follows a previous remark from Donald Trump, who said he would not cut Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security. Castro confirmed he will vote against any budget proposal that reduces these programs.
