Residents rally against Stefanik
Congresswoman faces opposition over her support of GOP healthcare bill
GLENS FALLS, N.Y. >> Concerned citizens rallied outside U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik’s Glens Falls office on Thursday to protest her support of President Trump’s healthcare proposal, which they say will leave millions of people without coverage including many in Stefanik’s 21st District.
Stefanik, R-Willsboro, recently voted for the American Health Care Act as an alternative to former President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.
The measure passed in the House, but still requires Senate approval.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said Thursday the Trump-backed plan could eliminate healthcare for 23 million Americans, possibly affecting hospitals and nursing homes, and putting some of their jobs at risk.
“It’s not a healthcare bill, it’s a transfer of money from the poor to the rich,” said Joe Seeman, of Ballston Spa. “It’s a reverse Robin Hood transfer of wealth. Some people won’t get a doctor. By the time they get to an emergency
room it will be too late.”
Protesters also planned events at Stefanik’s offices in Plattsburgh in Watertown on Thursday.
But her spokesman Tom Flanagin said, “Congresswoman Stefanik is encouraged that the CBO has found this legislation will lower taxes, reduce our deficits and lower premiums. Congresswoman Stefanik fought to add language to ensure members of Congress live by the same rules as everyone else under this legislation.
“She also fought to have $15 billion added for maternity care and worked to support our county governments by adding language to reduce the burdensome Medicaid mandate that crushes their budgets. We will continue to work with the Senate to improve this legislation and build a healthcare system that lowers costs, improves quality and increases access for North Country families.”
Some residents, however, aren’t convinced.
“They want to cut Social Security disability,” said Phylis Miller of Glens Falls. “That will kill me. I’ll lose my medical. I have kidney failure on top of rheumatoid disease.”
Residents carried signs, in a driving rain, with messages such as “Don’t Take My Healthcare” and “RIP Small Business Owner Can’t Afford Insurance.”
Angela Benson, a certified nurse assistant, said she believes cuts will impact the level of services residents receive at the nursing where she works.
“We already work short days,” she said. “Sometimes there’s barely time to get people fed. Also, my mother can’t get out to work. If she loses healthcare, where does that leave her?”