Will of the people violated in Utah health care fight

Latest

Demonstrators at the Utah capitol fight to protect the health care law that voters passed in the elections to expand Medicaid to those in need. Lawmakers defied the voters’ will, passing a new bill that restricts coverage for tens of thousands.
PHOTO/PROP 3: UTAH DECIDES

 
Editor’s note: Utah voters, morally opposed to people in need going without healthcare, passed Prop 3 to expand Medicaid. Lawmakers overturned the legislation, voting for a new bill that eliminates coverage for tens of thousands. The following quotes express the outrage of Utahans.
“This vote is a shocking display of disrespect for Utah voters. This bill eliminates coverage for tens-of-thousands of Utahns in need and leaves billions of our tax dollars in Washington. This is not what we voted for.”
— Andrew Roberts, spokesperson for Utah Decides Healthcare
“The Utah legislature’s disregard of the decision of Utah voters is an affront to the principles of American democracy. Fifty-three percent of Utah voters chose to implement Prop 3, full Medicaid expansion. That’s 59% of legislative districts, with an amazing 75% voter turnout. When legislators suggest voters didn’t understand what they were choosing they insult their constituents’ intelligence and moral courage. I hope voters will remember in 2020 who represented them and who didn’t.”
— Paul Gibbs said he would have died had it not been for Medicaid and Medicare. He became an activist because he wanted everyone to be entitled to life.
“Our rulers don’t want any upstarts thinking they can vote and get away with it. They all have elections coming up. … Vote them out! — Facebook discussion
 

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

ICE Threw Thousands of Kids in Detention, Many For Longer Than Court-Prescribed Limit

Thousands of kids have been booked into ICE detention in the past year, and former immigration staffers argue ICE is choosing to detain families for prolonged periods to speed deportations and compel them to leave.

They Didn’t ‘Shoot’ Alex Pretti — They Executed Him

ICE is responsible for killing Alex Pretti, a union ICU nurse, a person who cared deeply for others. Accountability is non-negotiable. We owe him the truth — and the courage to act on it.

Minnesota Doctors Condemn ICE Terrorizing Patients, Medical Staff

On Jan. 20, a group of Minnesota physicians representing various hospitals and different specialties held a press conference at the state Capitol in St. Paul to denounce the presence of ICE agents in hospitals and the horrific impact the ICE raids are having on patients and healthcare workers.

Minneapolis Labor, Community Leaders To Join Jan. 23 General Strike Demanding ICE Out

A broad coalition of Minneapolis labor unions and community organizations is calling for a general strike January 23 to force federal immigration agents to leave their city.

Minneapolis Clergy Call for Faith Leaders to ‘Join Us’

Minneapolis is a crisis of our Constitution, federal overreach, militarized enforcement, erosion of civil liberties, democracy, morals, and of faith communities. Join the collective effort.

More from the People's Tribune