17-03-2025
Neighbors group gathers in Ogdensburg to protest DOGE cuts
Mar. 17—OGDENSBURG — Approximately 200 protesters gathered in front of Ogdensburg City Hall Saturday to rally against the federal cuts being made by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency.
The protest, titled a "March To Stop The Cuts," was sponsored by Adirondack Voters for Change and North Country Neighbors for Civic Engagement.
According to a press release from North Country Neighbors for Civic Engagement, the group is concerned with a February budget resolution passed by House Republicans that would cut nearly $880 billion over the next 10 years with expectations that deep cuts would be made to Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
"The budget resolution passed would enact a vast tax giveaway to billionaires, funded by ripping away up to $880 billion in Medicaid funding that millions of Americans rely on. This would be a looting of our nation's safety net on a massive scale, making our nation sicker and poorer. We call on members of Congress to stop these egregious cuts to prevent severe harm to working families, children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities and all who rely on Medicaid for the care they need," George Gresham, president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, said in a statement.
NY-21 congressional candidate Blake Gendebien, a Lisbon farmer, said that families and seniors in the district are "feeling the squeeze."
"Too many working families and seniors in our district are feeling the squeeze, struggling to keep up with rising costs. But instead of making life more affordable, politicians in Washington and Albany are busy playing political games. With nearly half of our community over 65 and living on fixed incomes, we need real solutions to bring prices down and make everyday essentials affordable. That's why I will never vote to cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid — seniors and families deserve the care they've earned," Gendebien said.
Steve Knight, former CEO of United Helpers, said that nursing home and home care costs have been inflated due to inadequate Medicaid reimbursement.
"Many times I've seen a private pay resident's life savings be devoured in 2-3 years leaving no legacy for their children or loved ones. Thousands of North Country jobs and countless businesses depend on organizations who rely on Medicaid reimbursement," he said.
A similar protest took place at the Clinton Government Building in Plattsburgh. Both have offices for Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, who is expected to vacate her seat this year and be confirmed as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
