Unions, community members stand united against Medicaid cuts
On April 16, community members, parents, and advocates gathered outside Rep. Kevin Kiley’s office in Rocklin, CA, to demand he oppose $880 billion in proposed Medicaid cuts — cuts that would devastate millions of Californians, especially children, people with disabilities, and low-income families. The rally came just one day after more than 30,000 people turned out to hear Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez call on Kiley to protect healthcare.
Among the speakers was 18-year-old Penelope Oliver, founder of All Access Arts, who stressed the need to defend healthcare access for future generations. Leaders from First 5 California, Placer First 5, and the California Academy of Family Physicians also gathered in support.
SEIU 1021 stands proudly in solidarity with SEIU 2015, parents, advocates, and community allies in the fight to protect Medicaid and healthcare for all.
Regional Vice President for SEIU 2015, Brenda Garner, said, “Healthcare and homecare provider workers are already struggling, and if Medicaid gets cut, we’re one tent away from being unhoused. We support no cuts to Medicaid, and these healthcare programs mean a lot to IHSS workers and disabled people who rely on these services.”
With just three Republican votes needed to block these devastating cuts, unions will continue to call on Rep. Kiley to do the right thing and ensure healthcare remains a right, not a privilege, for every Californian.
