Advocacy groups hold vigil outside U.S. representative Darin LaHood's office
The vigil aims to highlight the human impact of the GOP's budget plan, which includes $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid.
Organizers said the proposed reductions could jeopardize healthcare access and food assistance for thousands in LaHood's district.
The executive director of Citizen Action Illinois, the organization behind the vigil, said that having healthcare is a human right.
'Every single corner of his district. People care about their access to Medicaid, and people are watching him to make sure that he does the right thing. And so far, he's been unable to do that. He's been unable to stand up to House leadership, but especially as he talks about wanting to run for Senate. I mean, how can you say that you deserve a higher office when you are ripping away health care from over 139,000 of your constituents in your congressional district?' said Anusha Thotakura.
The vigil featured personal testimonies from central Illinois residents, speeches from local leaders, and a moment of collective prayer and reflection.
U.S. Representative Darin LaHood released a statement regarding the vigil.
'I am committed to representing the people of Illinois' 16th Congressional District,' said Rep. LaHood. 'I will continue to provide high-quality constituent services, support local businesses, meet with constituents across the 16th district, and represent their interests in Washington, D.C. I am proud of my record working on policy to support access to high-quality health care in rural Illinois.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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