Members from the Dolores Huerta Foundation gathered outside Congressman David Valadao’s office this morning to deliver 800 signed postcards with a message: “Hands Off Our Healthcare.”
The postcards, signed by residents from across Kern and Tulare counties including Arvin, Bakersfield, Lindsay, and Woodlake, urged Rep. Valadao to protect Medi-Cal and Medicaid, programs that millions of Californians depend on for healthcare.
Led by the Dolores Huerta Foundation, the group spoke out about the community’s concerns over the proposed federal budget cuts.
The proposed federal budget cuts passed by House Republicans are pushing for a plan that would cut $800 billion from Medicaid, cut over $200 billion from food assistance programs, and reduce funding for education, including services for students with special needs and free school lunches.
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.
Valadao’s district ranks second in the state for CalFresh participation, with more than a quarter of residents using the program to help put food on the table.
“These cuts would be devastating for our communities,” said Noe Garcia from the Dolores Huerta Foundation. “Especially in rural cities like Wasco, Arvin, McFarland, and Lindsay, where families rely on these programs to survive.”
Organizers said they haven’t heard strong support from Valadao on the issue and are pushing for him to oppose the budget resolution that includes major cuts to Medicaid. That vote is expected Monday in Washington, D.C., with a final vote to follow in the coming weeks.
“We’re here because our voices matter,” Garcia added. “We want to meet with Rep. Valadao directly and make sure he hears from the people who will be most affected.”
To sign a postcard, residents can call the Dolores Huerta Foundation at (661) 322-3033 to get more information or request one. The team said they are also working on putting the postcards online soon.
“Fifteen million people in California rely on this coverage,” said Camila Chavez, Executive Director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. “Valadao’s district has the highest percentage of people on Medi-Cal. His voters need to know where he stands.”
