The locals organize funeral against forecasted Medicaid cuts

Dinginal Bakersfield, California (Kero) – On Tuesday, demonstrators marched to the office of congress member David Valadoo in Bakersfield – with coffins and posters in hand.

• Everyone dresses in black posters of gravestones, followed by a black corpse car.
• Those in the city center of Bakersfield say that they mourn projected cuts against Medicaid.
• The organizers tell me that this is the last nail in the coffin. The house is expected to choose on Thursday.

Transcription of broadcast:

On Tuesday morning, many people marched from the team's local Union office. On the way, they collect coffins that they wore for the office of congress member David Valado.

“We are here to show that the death of Medicaid would mean the death of thousands of people,” said Shawn White, Vice President of Kern County Pathpoint.

White says he sees first -hand the people who would be affected by these cuts.

“I devoted my life to people with disabilities,” said White. “We serve adults who are looking for independent life and many other services with whom they can live the lives they choose.”

Among the marchers, more than 20 demonstrators went one step further – by fasting.

One of the human fasting is Dolores Huerta.

“… we know that so many people are getting hungry and many people die when these cuts go through,” said Huerta. “And this is our way of making a spiritual sacrifice, a very small victim to send this message to Valadao that he no.”

Another person who took part in the rally was Kevin Esparza, who says that potential cuts are a question of life or death.

As a caregiver for his mother, Esparza says that his job is also at stake.

“Medicaid is urgently needed by people like me. People around the world rely on Medicaid,” said Esparza. “[If] Medicaid is shortened, then people would be on the streets. I would lose my job because my job is dependent on Medicaid. “

23abc Neighborhood Reporter Avery ELOWITT turned to the office of congress member David Valado for a comment.

They sent this explanation back by e -mail:

“I understand how important Medicaid is for the Central Valley, and I have consistently campaigned in the name of my voters and the programs to rely on. It is disappointing, but not surprising that democratic activists use Fearmongenering tactics if the facts do not support their claims. Nothing finally concluded, and we will continue to be damaged with the reconciliation procedure.”

But demonstrators say they will continue to speak.

“Please, Valadao – remember your promise of my granddaughter, who has disabilities that you would protect her,” said Huerta. “We ask you to protect your voters and people in California and people in the United States.”

The organizers tell me that this is the last nail in the coffin. The house is expected to choose on Thursday.

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