AFSCME Retirees Rally Against Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid Services

AFSCME Retirees Mobilize Nationwide to Oppose Budget Cuts

AFSCME retiree members have launched a series of events across multiple cities, including Cleveland, Ohio; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Tucson, Arizona. These events featured an oversized iPad, allowing community members to directly voice their concerns to Congress about potential budget cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, food assistance, and public services.

Engaged by the efforts of AFSCME retirees, nearly 140 letters have been sent to senators. These letters highlight the dangers of the House's budget proposal, which critics say prioritizes billionaires over working families. The letters emphasize the severe repercussions of deep cuts to Medicaid, stressing its vital role in supporting seniors, people with disabilities, and families in need.

One of the letters warns, "Medicaid helps pay for care that seniors, people with disabilities, and many families need to live healthy and safe lives. If Congress cuts Medicaid, schools, towns, and local programs could lose funding. Jobs could be lost. Services people count on could disappear."

At the Philadelphia event, Sheila Bennett, president of AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1199C, shared her personal story to illustrate Medicaid's importance. "I was raised on Medicaid, and without it, I can’t say I’d be here today," Bennett expressed. "Because of programs like Medicaid and nutrition assistance, I was able to get the health care I needed, have healthy meals, and make a life for myself. That’s what we’re here to protect."

In addition to local actions, a delegation of nurses from AFSCME Local 875 in Flint, Michigan, and a lab technician from CSEA in New York took their advocacy to Capitol Hill. They met with lawmakers to discuss the detrimental impact that cutting Medicaid, Medicare, and other crucial services might have on the healthcare system.

For more information on the ongoing efforts, visit AFSCME's official blog.