Latest news with #SEIU503
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘We're ready to fight': Portlanders rally after arrest of California union leader
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Union Portlanders are still 'fired up' after the arrest and most recent release of David Huerta was arrested last week during what's being called a peaceful anti-ice protest in Los Angeles, California. He has since been released but still faces felony charges. Portland ICE facility saw increased police presence during weekend protests Following Huerta's arrest, President Donald Trump sent the California National Guard to L.A. He most recently sent 700 U.S. Marines to 'protect' ICE agents in California. The president called the move 'law and order' on social media. The heat in Portland Monday afternoon didn't stop members of SEIU Local 503 from showing their support for Huerta. 'We are here to stand by everybody's rights for their first amendment, to be able to protest and speak out against this administration,' Johnny Earl, president of Local SEIU 503, said at Monday's protest. Protestors said while they're celebrating Huerta's release, they're still outraged with decisions coming down from the federal level. 'This is an attack, and it feels scary,' Marcia Schneider said. 'This rally happened at a moment's notice, show up now. Yes, Portland can show up now and we're getting better at it…We're ready to fight.' Portland City Councilor Angelita Morillo spoke to KOIN 6 News at Monday's rally. 'When one of our immigrant brothers and sisters are taken away, we all have to show up and support. As the only immigrant on city council, I feel a special connection to this issue. Today was a good day, we actually get to celebrate his release, and so we hope that's the case with many more,' Morillo said. Monday's protest remained peaceful, but people at the rally told KOIN 6 News they're always ready for the potential that federal officials are sent here if things get out of hand. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Oregon lawmakers, medical workers rally in Portland to ‘save Medicaid'
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — U.S. lawmakers from Oregon, medical workers and union representatives rallied in Portland Wednesday evening to 'save Medicaid.' This comes after Democratic lawmakers say a sets the stage for cutting Medicaid, along with Medicare and Social Security. The 'Portland Rallies to Save Medicaid' event happened at Holladay Park in Northeast Portland around 5:30 p.m. Kotek declares state of emergency amid floods U.S. Democratic Congressional Representatives from Oregon Maxine Dexter, Suzanne Bonamici and Andreas Salinas were in attendance. Bonamici also spoke about the during an event in Beaverton on Tuesday. 'Forty percent of our children in Oregon are covered by Medicaid. We are talking about taking away healthcare from almost half of Oregon's children. Forty-four percent of mothers who are going to give birth are dependent on Medicaid. Can you imagine a new mother going through not only the challenges of childbirth but then the bills that we all know stack up afterwards? We cannot stand by and let this happen,' Dexter said. Also at the Portland rally were Oregon ADL-CIO President Graham Trainor, SEIU 503 President Johnny Earl, Medicaid recipients and health workers. The event was organized by SEIU 503, who said in a press release that the potential cuts 'would impact the 1.4 million Oregonians who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare and devastate the state budget.' In addition, organizers said the cuts could jeopardize many jobs for those who work in the healthcare field. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
