Updated:

Will of the people violated in Utah health care fight

By
1295
0

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.org. Please 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.

Featured

Luz Melissa Cortes Nieto, Tribuno del Pueblo -

We are Jane Doe

What happens when the institution responsible for investigating harm is the same institution worried about its reputation, donors, fraternity relationships, and legal liability? Silence protects power. Accountability means confronting it.
La Jornalera, La Talacha -

Nancy Leaves Before Dawn

This story brings insight into the lives of the millions of women and men who leave before dawn to keep entire cities running by cleaning, building, cooking, caring. But suddenly some want them seen them as criminals.
PEOPLE'S TRIBUNE -

Government Charges Man ICE Shot In Back With Assault

Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, the Venezuelan immigrant shot in the back by an ICE agent in Austin September 20, has now been charged by the government with assaulting a federal officer.
Mike Ludwig , TRUTHOUT -

People Keep Dying in ICE Custody. 13 Dems Back a Bill to Abolish the Agency

Legislation has been introduced called the Melt ICE Act which would dismantle ICE by ending the Department of Homeland Security’s authority to surveil and jail immigrants and redirect its funding to navigate a spiraling affordability crisis.
Bob Lee, People's Tribune -

Resistance is Challenging Grip of AIPAC on Congress

The pro-Israel AIPAC lobby is one of the most powerful lobbies in the country, but its influence over our elections and Congress is increasingly being challenged by candidates and voters.

More from the People's Tribune