Hundreds rally in Modesto, calling on leaders to protect Medicaid access

Yahoo

24-04-2025

(FOX40.COM) — As house republicans hammer out a budget reconciliation bill, Californians took to the streets Wednesday, calling for their local representatives to protect access to Medicaid.
Many say they are worried that a budget passed by the GOP-controlled House could make cuts to the program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals.
One of those demonstrations took place this afternoon outside congressman Tom McClintock's office in Modesto. It was there that at least 200 people demanded that McClintock vote against the cuts.
'Our demand for McClintock is to do what's right by his people,' said Astrid Zuniga, United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930 President.
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In a statement to FOX40, the office of Congressman McClintock said:
'Medicaid spending has nearly doubled in ten years and now costs more than the entire defense budget, taking $6,900 a year from an average American household to support. The budget resolution anticipates long overdue common-sense reforms such as restoring the work requirement for able-bodied adults, prosecuting fraud, and ending services to non-citizens. Left-wing groups oppose these reforms and are instead advocating for a crushing tax increase that would cost a family earning $75,000 a year an additional $1,500 in new taxes next year.'
Demonstrators outside Congressman McClintock's office included residents with a wide range of disabilities, elderly patients, and organizations, including members of the United Domestic Workers (UDW) who play a role in the care provided for certain groups of patients.
Many said they are afraid that if these cuts are made, it could have devastating and potentially deadly impacts on their health.
The UDW worries that any cuts to Medicaid would leave millions without the necessary resources and care they need if they can't afford it.
'The impact is huge. It could be devastating for millions of Americans,' Zuniga said.' Specifically in Stanislaus County, about 51 percent of the residents rely on Medicaid services.'
Wayne Junso, an 81-year-old Modesto resident, said he is worried about the added work and resources it would take to care for his son, who is paralyzed, if impacted.
'The price of medicine, the price of doctors, the price of equipment,' Junso said. 'For most of the people, it is a big issue because if they lose doctors, nurses, and help, what are they going to do? What are they going to do?'
The government has not finalized a budget yet, but residents here say they hope politicians will keep the potential repercussions and their fears in mind.
'Well, one, I probably wouldn't have a job,' said UDW worker Billie Hughes. 'My grandson would not be able to go and get the help that he needs. He can't talk right now, he just learned to walk, and he's in a great facility where he's going to school, so that would be cut, everything would be cut.'
Zuniga said she is hopeful their cries will be heard.
'These are some really scary times, and it's unfortunate, but I have to keep hope that as long as we continue to apply the pressure and make our voices heard, that it doesn't fall on deaf ears,' Zuniga said.
Demonstrators say they will be back out to continue the movement on Thursday.
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