CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Dozens of people gathered in downtown Cedar Rapids Saturday morning to rally against proposed cuts to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.
The event, held outside the Federal Building, was hosted by State Senator Zach Wahls. He was joined by Iowans who shared personal stories about how the potential changes could affect their families.
During his remarks, Wahls criticized Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and other Republican lawmakers, accusing them of making “corrupt decisions” that favor wealthy donors over working families. He warned that the proposed cuts could drive up health care costs for thousands of Iowans and put additional strain on rural hospitals.
The rally also coincided with the first day of open enrollment for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Enrollment runs through January 15.
Ashley Hinson’s team sent a statement saying, “Ashley Hinson voted to keep the government open. Zach Wahls has joined Chuck Schumer in supporting this shutdown. As soon as the Democrats reopen the government, we can work on fixing the rising Obamacare premiums and lowering healthcare costs for working families. That can’t happen while Democrats like Zach Wahls are playing politics with people’s lives and keeping the government shut down.”