“This shutdown didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a deliberate choice by Donald Trump and his allies in Congress, including David Valadao, to put politics and power ahead of the people they’re supposed to serve,” said Eriberto Fernandez from California Federation of Labor Unions.
On Thursday, Central Valley Labor and community members rallied in front of Rep. David Valadao’s office to demand an end to the government shutdown. The shutdown has now lasted 30 days, and on November 1, the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act begins.
“The Central Valley deserves better representation. We deserve leadership that fights for working people, not politicians who are hiding behind chaos and blaming one another. Today, we are here to send a message loud and clear from Bakersfield all the way to Washington,” said Fernandez, saying for Valadao to help find funding to open the government. “To fix the healthcare crisis, protect food assistance, and put working people first.”
According to a press release from the California Federation of Labor Unions about the rally, if Congress does not extend the subsidies for the ACA by November 1, premiums could increase by an average of 114%. The release also states that 64% Kern County residents rely on Medi-Cal.
Seleny Diaz, with Health Access California, attended the rally today and said she was there because she wanted to send a message to Valadao about how the increase in prices on the ACA will impact the community, including her mother. The increase would mean possibly switching from the Kaiser Silver plan her mother is currently on.
“It’s just led to some uncertainty in her life, and trying to figure out how she can keep her insurance. She did deal with some health things recently,” said Diaz. “If we have to go back to the bronze plan, that’s not ideal. It wasn’t a lot of coverage, but she just can’t be uninsured.”
The story of Diaz and her mother is not unique and was a common theme amongst the speakers of the rally. Dee English from the California Nurses Association has been a nurse for 40 years and spoke about seeing her patients having to make tough decisions on either paying for their medicine or bills. English explained that on November 1, when people lose their food assistance from SNAP, children and those who have to take medication will go to bed hungry.
“It means patients that have diabetes will not be able to take care of their symptoms because they can’t afford the medicine and they can’t afford the food,” said English, adding why it is happening. “Donald Trump and his little buddy, Congressman David Valadao, are using hungry families as bargaining chips in this government shutdown. That’s not politics, it’s just plain cruelty.”
Speakers stated this should never happen in America and that they are ashamed of Valadao. Monica Lazo with Economic Security Project Action stated she has also been in the position of having to pick between paying for either groceries or medicine, or between going to the doctor or keeping the lights on.
“We are in a healthcare emergency, and it was created by choice,” said Lazo. “This summer, Trump and Congressional Republicans cut over $1 trillion from Medicaid and ended tax credits that helped families afford health insurance. Now, they’re shutting down the government because they refuse to fix the damage they caused.”
Ulises Hernandez, from California Alliance for Retired Americans, stated he’s frustrated that Valadao chose Donald Trump, who he stated does not care about anyone in the United States over the community members.
“We’re disgusted by your actions. We’re disgusted because you chose your fearful leader, a man who cowers behind a desk, a man who hides from chaos, over your community. Valadao, I implore you to do the right thing because the time for requests is over,” said Hernandez
Hernandez emphasized that everyone deserves the same rights and access to food and healthcare as Valadao.
“We are one. We deserve happiness. We deserve to have our healthcare, our SNAP, we deserve to have food on the table, the same way as you. We deserve the same rights as you. So don’t you dare hide behind your desk and cower in fear,” said Hernandez.
Camila Chavez from the Delores Huerta Foundation spoke about the numerous protests that have been held to get Valadao’s attention, stating that he needs to listen to his constituents.
“Enough of the political theater. Your constituents are hungry. Your constituents are threatened with losing their healthcare,” said Chavez.
Chavez also called for everyone to vote before Election Day on November 4.
Lazo spoke about the conversations taking place between Republicans and Democrats regarding when to discuss funding and healthcare, stating that Democrats have been ready to talk since October 1, and emphasized the importance of holding both parties accountable.
“Let’s not get this twisted. This is not strategic policy making. This shutdown is a shakedown,” said Lazo. “We need to keep pressure on both parties. Keep Republicans accountable while making sure Democrats hold that blue line. We’re here today to send a message. No more shutdowns, no more cuts, no more choosing between healthcare and survival.”
