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Health care rallies around the state opposing Trumpcare

Groups gathered to protest Trumpcare around the state Monday, encouraging U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue to veto the measure, also known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The measure will impact the one in five Georgians who rely on Medicaid and threatens $4 billion in funding for Georgia over ten years.

Republicans in the Senate, unable to secure enough support, have delayed voting on the measure until after the fourth of July holiday, which many groups are hailing as short term win. Progressives and healthcare advocates are not resting until the measure has been defeated, with groups organizing rallies across the state.

“This bill if passed, threatens the care of the most vulnerable Georgians by cutting our federal Medicaid dollars by $4 billion over the next ten years,” said Tim Denson, Organization Coordinator of Athens for Everyone, according to WUGA. “And the amazing thing is, the bill actually gives tax cuts of up to $33 billion over that same amount of time for the richest 400 households.”

In addition to Athens for Everyone, the Hall County Young Democrats, Georgia Women (and those who stand with us), Georgians for a Healthy Future, and 159 Georgia Together organized rallies and actions across Athens, Atlanta, Gainesville and Macon.

These groups have also been holding education events with members and encouraging voters to call, email and fax Sens. Isakson and Perdue to vote against the bill, including a recent Healthcare Salon in Macon hosted by Georgia Women.

159 Georgia Together — a reference to the 159 counties of Georgia — posted to social media after the event thanking the folks who attended and encouraging voters to continue to call their Senators.

“It was hot Monday, June 26, but roughly 50 people showed up to rally at Sen. Johnny Isakson’s office in support of Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and equal access to health care for all. This rally was part of a statewide effort that included rallies in Macon and Athens. First and foremost, thank you. Second, make those calls. #159HealthCare #159SaveMedicaid #159SaveOurHealthCare,” their post read.

Athens for Everyone posted a similar thanks folks for turning out for the event, noting that while continued pressure will be necessary to keep the AHCA from passing, the delay in the vote is a short term win.

“It ain’t close to over, but we won this battle! Thank you for going out to the rallies, making phone calls, sending letters, etc…..we will be doing a lot more of it as we continue to fight this terrible Senate Healthcare bill through the recess! #ProtectOurCare #ProtectOurCareGA,” they wrote.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 23 million people will lose health insurance coverage. Georgia is also expected to face $4 billion in Medicaid cuts over ten years, money that either the state would have to make up or cut services to match the lower dollar amount coming from the federal government. These groups are asking voters to continue to call, email, and fax Sens. Isakson and Perdue and share why the AHCA will be devastating for Georgia families.

Contact Sen. Isakson by phone at 770-661-0999, by fax at 770-661-0768 or by email by clicking here. Tell him to stand up to Trumpcare and support accessible health care for all Americans.

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