RELEASE: 2,500+ Petitions Delivered to Rep. Darin LaHood’s Rockford Office Urging Him to Oppose Medicaid & SNAP Cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Josh Schrader

josh@citizenaction-il.org

2,500+ Petitions Delivered to Rep. Darin LaHood’s Rockford Office Urging Him to Oppose Medicaid & SNAP Cuts

ROCKFORD, IL – Today, Rep. Maurice West, Citizen Action/Illinois, Protect Our Care IL, SEIU, Shriver Center, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Live4Lali, Rockford United Labor, Illinois Federation of Teachers, faith leaders, and advocates from all across Illinois’ 16th Congressional District hosted a brief press conference before delivering over 2,500 petition signatures to Rep. Darin LaHood’s Rockford office. 

The petitions call on Rep. LaHood to stop supporting devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, which would threaten the health and food security of millions across the state.

Illinois State Representative Maurice West, whose district covers part of Rockford, attended and said, “2,500 constituents have signed petitions saying that what Rep. Darin LaHood is doing is not good government. So today, we’re here to make sure that Rep. LaHood hears the 16th Congressional District.”

Crystal Barry with SEIU Healthcare, stated, “If it wasn't for Medicaid, I wouldn't be able to afford to pay for the healthcare and also the asthma treatment my daughter needs in order to continue her health to be good. So Medicaid is the largest insurance program in the country, and it saves lives. When we cut funding for Medicaid, we're taking away people's ability to keep our families healthy and access to the healthcare they need. Representative LaHood, how dare you threaten to take away my kids healthcare insurance so that you can give your donors a tax break? Believe me when I tell you that we will fight with everything we have to protect our babies.”

Laura Krippner, First Vice President of the Harlem Federation of Teachers Local 540 spoke on the impact cutting Medicaid could have on education,  “I stand here today with my partners to call out Congressman LaHood for voting in support of cutting health care, including programs like Medicaid. Illinois schools rely on Medicaid to help pay for equipment such as communication devices for non verbal kids or standing frames for kids who need to address blood circulation. Medicaid also helps offset the cost of other critical services, including transportation for students with mobility challenges, including the use of wheelchairs, therapy with trauma as well as asthma management. Everyone deserves a voice. Our kids deserve better.”

Anusha Thotakura, Executive Director of Citizen Action/Illinois, emphasized what this would mean for those in Darin LaHood’s district, “This is not a political issue, it affects everyone – this is a moral issue. Taking away Medicaid takes away healthcare from those most vulnerable in our state.” Thotakura also led a chant for the group that echoed, “Hands off our healthcare!”

Pastor Violet Johnicker, a local faith leader and constituent of Rep. LaHood, stood up to comment on Darin LaHood’s failed leadership, “Rep. LaHood’s voting record is hurting us. It’s dangerous. On his website, Rep. LaHood describes himself as a strong practicing Catholic, which I respect and appreciate, but as a strong practicing Christian myself, I have to ask my Congressman, how can you claim your faith impacts your policy making or work to cause harm to the poor so you can make the rich richer?”

Following the press conference, Citizen Action/Illinois led the group inside Darin LaHood’s Rockford office where they were able to hand deliver over 2,500 petitions telling him to oppose any and all federal cuts to healthcare.

Citizen Action/Illinois is the state’s largest public progressive interest organization, dedicated to advocating for healthcare access, economic justice, and consumer rights. Through grassroots organizing and coalition-building, we work to ensure policies that protect Illinois families, seniors, and communities.

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For Media Inquiries:

Contact

Josh Schrader

Citizen Action/Illinois

(402) 860-0689

josh@citizenaction-il.org