VIDEO OF MARCH, CONFERENCE, AND SOUNDBITES HERE
(Washington, DC)–On the heels of the Senate’s vote last week to move forward a budget blueprint that will cut basic needs programs, today more than 130 Medicaid recipients and advocates from 28 states and Washington, D.C. showed up to make their voices heard in Congress and remind lawmakers that they work for us.
“We came together from all walks of life to demand the same thing: No cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, or child care,” said Community Change Action Co-President Dorian Warren. “Today, we will march into congressional offices with our heads held high ready to share the stories that Congress must hear. Our voices will echo through the halls and remind every lawmaker: We are here. We are organizing. And we are not going anywhere.”
The day of action started with a Louisiana-style processional to the Capitol lawn. Too Much Talent, a local brass band, led the marchers who carried decorated parasols and signs echoing the day’s message. Representative Delia Ramirez (IL-3) joined the rally and lent her support to everyone there, calling out her colleagues who have forgotten that they work for the people.
“Medicaid has been far more than a health insurance plan—it has been a true lifeline. It has empowered me to confront and manage serious health challenges with dignity and hope,” said Camilla Hudson, a Medicaid recipient from Chicago. “My story is a testament to the transformative impact that accessible, affordable healthcare can have on the lives of individuals facing adversity.”
“Many people with disabilities want to work. Many of us want to contribute to our communities. Many of us want the ability to support ourselves in whatever way that looks like for us. Had it not been for Medicaid coverage and the elimination of work requirements, I wouldn’t be standing here before you today,” said Eliza Brader, a Disabled advocate from Bloomington, Indiana. “Me and so many others like me will not survive if our Medicaid is taken away, and we’re here today to tell Congress just that.”
After the rally, advocates headed to more than 90 meetings with legislators on both sides of the aisle to share their stories and urge them to protect our lifelines.
“We’re here because we’re tired – tired of our representatives ponying up to billionaires instead of the people they were elected to serve, and tired of seeing our quality of life decline, while our cost of living increases – especially over the last 79 days,” said Cynthia Travieso, Director of Powerbuilding at Community Change Action who is leading the creation of the Medicaid Union. “People are coming together today to hold our elected officials accountable, to make it impossible for them to look away from us, and to remind them of the everyday people who are building power in their communities back home and here in DC. We are watching, and we’re not letting up until we see change.”