Community leaders, elected officials, and residents gathered outside Congress Member David Valadao’s district office for the “Hands off our Healthcare” rally on March 19, to demand that he vote against proposed federal budget cuts. The cuts could slash funding for healthcare, food assistance, and school programs.
“We’re here to ensure we do not see devastating cuts to hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and Medi-Cal, to SNAP and food assistance safety net programs, and to our local school districts,” said Noe Garcia, policy coordinator for the Dolores Huerta Foundation. “Congressmember Valadao must listen to his constituents instead of serving the interests of the wealthiest individuals and corporations.”
Noe Garcia, policy coordinator for the Dolores Huerta Foundation introducing the speakers for “Hands Off Our Healthcare” rally.
The rally followed by the proposed federal budget cuts passed by House Republicans, which could have harmful impacts on families in California’s 22nd Congressional District, especially people in low-income communities, marginalized communities, and local economies.
California’s 22nd District, represented by Valadao, has the highest percentage of residents in the state who rely on Medi-Cal for health coverage. Two-thirds of residents in the 22nd district rely on Medi-Cal for health coverage, which is 67% of residents.
The rally brought together labor unions, advocacy groups, and residents who shared personal stories about how important community programs have shaped their lives.
Community members holding up signs at the “Hands Off Our Healthcare” rally.
“Medicaid does not look at your political status,” said Bakersfield Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur. “It doesn’t [matter] if you grew up in South Bakersfield, Oildale, or Rosedale. It is meant to protect our most vulnerable community members, and we will not stand by while it is dismantled.”
Kaur, who grew up in South Bakersfield, shared her own experience as a child of immigrants who relied on food stamps and Medi-Cal.
“This is not a unique story. This is how our community survives,” she said. “Medicaid is a safety net it’s supposed to catch us, not let us fall through the cracks.”
Bakersfield Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur speaking at the “Hands Off Our Healthcare” rally. She shares her story as a child of immigrants who relied on food stamps and Medi-Cal.
A community resident, Veronica Perez, spoke at the rally recounted her battle with cancer and the role Medicaid has played in her survival.
She said one vital injection cost over $1,000 and without Medicaid, she and many others wouldn’t be here today. She said that Medicaid is a lifeline, preserving dignity and helping people support their families.
Veronica Perez explaining how Medicaid has played in her cancer survival.
Youth advocate Valentina Gutierrez called on Congressman David Valadao to oppose Medicaid cuts and shared how her grandparents depend on Medi-Cal and Medicaid.
“Any cuts would mean longer wait times to see a doctor and dangerous delays in treatment,” she said. “This is a matter of life and death.”
Valentina Gutierrez ,13, speaking at the “Hands Off Our Healthcare” rally.
Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone, a trustee for the Bakersfield City School District, shared the story of a first grader named Robin in Rep. David Valadao’s district. Who was shy and withdrawn due to a speech impediment. With school-provided speech therapy, partly funded by Medicaid, she gained confidence and found her voice.
“When we cut the budget for Medicaid and education, we are cutting money from our community’s children,” Cruz-Boone said. “We care if our children have a voice, and we care whether people in this community live or die,” she said.
Graduate student from Cal Poly Humboldt, David Garcia shared his story on how funding cuts cost him his job and made it harder to afford rent, food, and school supplies.
“Like many students, I was raised in poverty, and I worked to support myself because my parents couldn’t afford to send me to college,” Garcia said. “If it weren’t for programs like FAFSA and other school support initiatives, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Garcia said education cuts hurt students while Congress gives tax breaks to the wealthy, “That’s not only unjust, it’s unacceptable.”
Cal Poly Humboldt graduate, David Garcia speaking at the “Hands Off Our Healthcare” rally.
“If this budget bill doesn’t pass, people in Kern County could lose Medicare, Medi-Cal, food stamps, and funding for disability and education,” said Dolores Huerta, civil rights leader and president of the foundation. “Congress has the power to protect these programs, and we need to make sure our voices are heard.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Community leaders, elected officials, and residents outside Congress Member David Valadao’s district office during the “Hands off our Healthcare” rally on March 19.
