February 28, 2025/Midnight
Erie, PA. – Times have been changing a lot lately. For the world, for the country, and closer to home, Erie County. The most recent changes are the potential cuts to Medicaid.
Those who have been comfortable with the knowledge of having medical aid or Medicaid are now faced with the uncomfortable possibility of it being taken away.
Members of the Erie community gathered outside the Erie Federal Courthouse in protest of the potential cuts to Medicaid reaching $880 billion. The potential cuts will take place over the next decade.
Freda Tepfer, former New York city native, led the protest in hopes of raising awareness and inspiring change.
“And that’s why we’re here. And to make people aware when we’re talking about people you know. We’re talking about you; you might be that person.”
Tepfer started the rally by thanking all who showed their support and provided some insight on what should be done to make change happen with a shirt that read, “If you don’t demand what you believe in for yourself, you’re not gonna get it.” This quote from Judith Heumann who was an American disability rights activist.
Over 50 Erie residents attending the rally showcasing signs that read, “Hands off our benefits,” Hand off Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security,” and “No Medicare Cuts.”
Throughout the protest multiple chants erupted. Many of the chants were targeted to Mike Kelly, American politician and businessman.
In January, the potential of Obamacare being cut caused an uproar and even though the republican party decided to no longer push the repeal Obamacare, big cuts are still on the people’s minds.
The rally allowed many to come forward and tell their stories about how Medicaid has changed their lives or those around them and how much the cuts would impact the Erie community. Alivia Haibach of MHEDS spoke to the crowd on how the cuts would heavily impact those who need it most. “Medicaid covers about 80 million people in this country.”
“In Erie where nearly one in five residents rely on Medicaid, these cuts would mean fewer benefits, tougher eligibility, and lots of critical healthcare for our most vulnerable. This is unacceptable.”
Tepfer spoke to the crowd about the Capitol Hill Switchboard number and encouraged all in attendance to call and keep calling to make their voices known. It was encouraged that two people enter the courthouse to speak to the Kelly staff.
Personal Care Provider Jasmine Flores. Flores has had experience of working as a personal care attendant, medical assistant, and a home health aide. She has worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism.
“This community is the most underrepresented I have ever experienced because they were treated worse than animals.”
Flores went on to state that Medicaid unfortunately keeps people from abandoning those who need their help because of the money aspect.
Rob Kocur reminded the group that it was time to open their eyes to the tax cuts that will go to the rich stating, “Poor Elon is down to his last 400 billion. We don’t want him to live in a homeless shelter, but we need the benefits. They don’t need tax cuts.”
To finish the rally, the group was led in song. Making their voices heard with the song “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie.
The lyrics had been adjusted to read, “In the squares of the city, in the shadow of the steeple; by the Medicaid office, I’d seen my people. As they stood there suffering, I stood there asking, “Is this land made for you and me?”
