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A whole bunch of protesters gathered in entrance of U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s Madison workplace Tuesday to voice their issues over potential cuts to Medicaid.
The Republican-led Congress is contemplating important cuts to Medicaid, the federal government medical insurance program for low-income households. In Wisconsin that features packages like BadgerCare Plus, which serves kids, pregnant individuals and non-disabled adults, and long-term care packages for individuals with disabilities and seniors.
The Home funds proposal might lower greater than $880 billion in obligatory spending from the committee that oversees Medicaid, in response to reporting by KFF Well being Information. Whereas the Senate’s proposal doesn’t specify precise cuts, they plan to offset over $300 billion in new spending, in response to NPR.
Dane County resident Laurine Lusk organized the protest as a result of her daughter Megan is disabled and depends on the federal government program.
“She’s not protected with out this care,” Lusk stated.
She needed to voice her issues over any cuts to her daughter’s care, however she says she struggled to get in contact with Johnson’s workplace.
In a response to questions from WPR and Wisconsin Watch concerning the protest and complaints that constituents had been having bother reaching him, Sen. Johnson offered an announcement. He wrote: “It’s tough to reply to complaints and protests that don’t have any foundation in fact or reality. It’s unlucky that Democrat elected officers are mendacity to their supporters relating to the Senate Funds Decision and inspiring them to take to the “streets.” I sincerely hope their actions don’t end in violence. My main aim is to maintain my Wisconsin employees protected whereas enabling them to proceed dedicating their efforts to assist constituents.”
The Republican senator’s workplace was closed to guests Tuesday because of “beforehand scheduled exterior commitments,” in response to an indication taped to the workplace door.
Protestors chanted, “Hey, hey, ho, ho Ron Johnson has received to go.” One protester held up an indication that stated, “Reply your cellphone, Ron.”
U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman confronted a hostile crowd final week at a city corridor in Oshkosh. When requested about Medicaid, he stated slicing this system “can be a mistake,” in response to earlier WPR reporting. Different Republican lawmakers have come out towards cuts to Medicaid.
Dorothy Witzeling drove from Appleton to affix the protest. “I’m fearful of what I’m seeing taking place with our authorities,” she stated.
Witzeling carried an indication with a photograph of her brother who had Down syndrome and relied on Medicaid for care.
Former Madison alder and former Dane County Board member, Barbara Vedder stated she attended the protest as a result of she has a incapacity and couldn’t dwell with out Medicaid.
“That is what democracy appears like,” Vedder stated. “It brings my spirits as much as see so many individuals talking up as a result of this wants to vary.”
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