AFSCME Members Rally Against Proposed Medicaid Cuts in Washington

AFSCME Members Rally Against Proposed Medicaid Cuts

In a powerful demonstration of unity, AFSCME members are actively voicing their opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts by Congress, which they argue would severely impact communities across the nation. These cuts have prompted thousands of members to mobilize, with many making their way to Washington, D.C. to directly engage with legislators.

Among those taking action are Stephanie Teachman and Jeanne Weaver, who visited Capitol Hill to advocate for the preservation of Medicaid. Watch a short video of these two members.

Stephanie Teachman, an administrative assistant at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia and president of Local 607 of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA/AFSCME Local 1000), is one of the voices speaking against the cuts. She emphasized the dire consequences for her rural New York community, where health care access is already limited. “I live in a rural area of New York,” Teachman explains. “We have very limited access to health care. The closest hospital to me is 20 minutes away.”

The potential closure of the nearest hospital due to funding cuts could result in lengthy delays during emergencies. “It could be the difference between life and death,” she adds.

Jeanne Weaver, president of AFSCME Chapter 13 Retirees in Pennsylvania, shares similar concerns. Although retired, Weaver remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of those she once cared for in facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She fears the proposed Medicaid cuts could endanger their futures. “It will be disastrous,” Weaver states. “I don’t know where they’ll end up. I worry about that every day.”

The efforts of Teachman and Weaver are part of a broader movement among AFSCME members, who are urging legislators to reconsider the proposed cuts. They argue that Medicaid should not be sacrificed for tax cuts benefiting the wealthy. Additional information can be found on the AFSCME website.

Beyond Washington, AFSCME members nationwide are voicing their opposition to these federal budget cuts, advocating for the protection of public services and community welfare. Their efforts continue across the country.

To join the movement and take action, AFSCME encourages individuals to Get Organized – it’s time to GO.