Members of TX21 Indivisible gathered downtown March 22 gripping anti-Trump healthcare signs. More than 20 people assembled at Milam Park, neighboring Santa Rosa Hospital, with one concern in mind: healthcare.
TX21 Indivisible is a grassroots group and branch of the “Indivisible Guide,” a non-profit organization which resists President Donald Trump’s agenda. According to the Indivisible Guide website, 4,500 local groups have signed up.
“I’m here because I’m very concerned about this bill they are trying to pass tomorrow,” Kelly Trout said. “The repeal of the Affordable Care Act is going to be a disaster for elderly people, the poor, disabled people, for veterans. . . there isn’t a group of people that it won’t hurt.”
According to Congressional Budget Office (CBO.gov), an estimated 14 million more people will be uninsured by 2018 if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is replaced.
The house Republican bill to repeal ACA needs 216 votes to be passed which means only 21 Republicans have to oppose it.
The House delayed healthcare bill voting March 23.
President Trump’s healthcare bill plans to phase out Medicaid which affects many people; Trout’s 35-year-old daughter is disabled and living in a group home financed by Medicaid.
“Because she is in a group home, she can have an independent life, she has a job, she volunteers in the community and has a great life,” Trout said. “But if Medicaid is cut further, she won’t have a home.”
Trout admits prior to Trump’s presidency some of the TX21 Indivisible members were not into politics, other than voting. Nevertheless, she felt obligated to speak for those who without voices such as her daughter and her peers at the group home.
“There are five other women in the home with her [daughter,] Trout said. “Four of the women have no family, there’s no one to speak for them and nowhere for them to go.”
Rick Luna, TX21 Indivisible member, is eligible for Medicare in a couple of years but understands if Trump’s bill is passed, he will not have a full-coverage health plan.
“This is what democracy looks like,” chants were reiterated and members recited “America the Beautiful” throughout the evening.
TX21 meets with District 21 representative Lamar Smith weekly to inform him on where they stand.
Members believe these phone calls, meetings and rallies do carry weight because 24 House Republicans have gone on record opposing Trump’s bill repeal.
“Everyone who is affected needs to get on the phone with their congress people tonight and tomorrow,” Luna said. “It does make a difference.”
