Democrats rallied outside the state Capitol in Hartford on March 18, 2025, as part of a coordinated national “day of action” aimed at preventing proposed cuts to Medicaid. This rally gathered hundreds, bringing together state and federal leaders, healthcare workers, advocates, and Medicaid recipients who voiced their concerns about the future of the program.
The bipartisan Congressional Budget Office has warned that over $880 billion in cuts proposed by House Republicans could severely affect the social safety net, intensifying fears among advocates and lawmakers. "Medicaid is in mortal danger, my friends," stated U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3rd District, to an enthusiastic crowd estimated by police at around 400. "Congress is an institution that responds to external pressure. You are external pressure." The urgency rang clear among the attendees, many feeling that their voices needed to echo strongly through the hallways of Congress.
Among the notable speakers was U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, who pointedly remarked, "They’re cutting Medicaid because they want to fund a giant tax cut for the wealthiest 1%." Murphy's words indicated a larger trend of prioritizing tax cuts for the elite at the expense of critical public services. His words underscored the rally's core message: that programs like Medicaid are crucial to the identity of the nation.
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz emphasized the important role of Medicaid in Connecticut, highlighting that 42% of births in the state and across the country are covered by the program. "If we want to take care of our moms, if we want to take care of our newborns, then we need Medicaid. Are we going to let the federal government cut Medicaid?" she bleated, to a rousing response of “No!” from the crowd.
The event did not shy from moments of personal testimony. Joe Shortt, a paralyzed Medicaid recipient, intimately shared how the program has been pivotal in allowing him to live independently. “If it weren’t for Medicaid, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Shortt from his wheelchair. Adding a compelling urgency, he revealed the striking truth that without Medicaid, he would be unable to work as an advocate or even live outside an institution.
U.S. Representative Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, expounded upon the sheer scale of Medicaid's impact, declaring, "Seventy-one million Americans are on Medicaid. It’s bigger than Medicare, it’s bigger than any commercial health plan." He criticized the House Republicans for proposing a budget that favored tax breaks for the wealthy while slashing funds for essential social services. "What the House Republicans voted on was a $5 trillion tax cut for the top 1% and corporations, funded by cutting Medicaid by a trillion dollars," he detailed, instilling a sense of righteous indignation among the crowd.
The rally also featured U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who drew a direct connection between corporate tax cuts and public service funding. “Elon Musk is giving you the middle finger. Here’s what I have to say to Elon: You're not going to get away with it,” Blumenthal expressed contentious rhetoric, highlighting how the Medicaid cuts threaten the well-being of children, seniors, and those in need. Blumenthal urged the assembly, declaring that it was not just about compassion for the vulnerable but also about a tangible financial reality: “Your taxes will rise if the federal government stops funding Medicaid.”
With intensity echoing through the Capitol grounds, Governor Ned Lamont joined the appeals, proclaiming to the audience his commitment to fighting the cuts. “Hey Washington, can you hear us? Donald Trump, can you hear us? This is Hartford shouting,” he urged, fostering a collective sense of determination. Lamont asserted the inevitability of public dissent, warning, "Don’t let him take it away," concerning the dire repercussions of any cuts to Medicaid.
Due to the fervent nature of the discussions and the stories shared, rally attendees felt bolstered, with many recognizing the power of their voices. U.S. Representative John Larson raised concerns over ongoing administrative actions that threaten Social Security alongside Medicaid. “Elon Musk needs to come before Congress and say what is his plan. What's even more frightening is this clever strategy to make these essential structures appear inefficient by hobbling them," Larson lamented.
As the rally concluded, citizens were communicated one unified message: this is not just about numbers; it is about people's lives. State Comptroller Sean Scanlon commemorated their mission: “The history of our country is written by those who stood up during times of difficulty and used their voices. We must do the same today.”
Another rally is already scheduled for April 5, 2025, at the State Capitol, signaling the ongoing fight against funding cuts aimed at critical programs. For many, this is just the beginning of a larger movement to safeguard Medicaid and advocate for healthcare reform across the nation.
