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
 

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘We Need Urgent Global Climate Action’

Eighty-nine percent of people worldwide want their governments to do more to address the global climate crisis. Conference on tipping points says situation is urgent. Meanwhile U.S. govt does more to boost fossil fuel forms of energy.

May Day 2025: United We Will Win

International Worker’s Day is celebrated on May 1st around the world. Today, the entire U.S. working class, of which immigrants comprise an integral part, is under attack. The defense of immigrants is vital to the defense of the entire working class.

White School Officer Pepper-sprayed and Kneed Black Beaumont, TX Student, Complaint says. Will Feds Act?

A 6-second video, recorded by a teacher and reviewed by the Texas Observer, shows an officer grabbing a student’s hair, kneeing her in the face, and knocking the 100-pound girl on her back.

Pope Francis Dies After Easter Plea to End War in Gaza

"In his final public message, Pope Francis decried the “terrible conflict” in Gaza.

Bring Union Brother Kilmar Home: His Deportation Is an Attack on All of Us

The deportation of union brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a gut punch to the labor movement, a slap in the face to every worker who dares to organize.

More from the People's Tribune