Save Medicaid: frustrated voters converge on Tony Wied's office

During this week’s congressional recess, a determined group of constituents took matters into their own hands by gathering outside Congressman Tony Wied's office to voice their concerns regarding potential cuts to Medicaid. Recent media reports and public statements by members of Congress indicate that lawmakers plan to use a fast-tracked budget reconciliation process to slash at least $2.3 trillion from the Medicaid budget, and those gathered today shared personal testimony and projections on the economic impacts in northeastern Wisconsin in the hopes that the Representative would vote to protect Medicaid when he returns to Washington next week. 

The constituents, representing a diverse cross-section of the community, had initially made efforts to schedule meetings with Congressman Wied to discuss their concerns directly. They sought an opportunity to engage in dialogue about the implications of proposed Medicaid cuts on vulnerable populations, including low-income families, the elderly, and those living with disabilities. However, despite their efforts to connect with him – emailing requests and making phone calls – they found the office was noncommittal. Congressman Wied did not offer a town hall or public listening session during the recess, leaving many constituents feeling unheard and frustrated.

In light of that, the group, led by Hands Off Medicaid, made a collective decision to take their concerns directly to Wied’s office, filling the vestibule of his office and clamoring for the need to keep critical healthcare programs like Medicaid. Their presence served as both a protest and a plea for representation on an issue that directly affects the health and well-being of countless individuals in their community.

“We believe that healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” said mother and Indivisible Fox Valley leader Emily Tseffos. “We are committed as ordinary citizens to hold our political leaders accountable.”

The gathering included patients, volunteers, caregivers, religious leaders, and everyday citizens, all unified in their goal to urge Congressman Wied to protect Medicaid funding and ensure that necessary healthcare services remain accessible. Passionate speeches from constituents underscored the real-life implications of reduced funding, including increased hospitalizations, deteriorating health outcomes, and financial instability for families relying on these essential services.

Despite their fervor, as of the time of the gathering, Congressman Wied had not made an appearance to hear their concerns firsthand. That seemed to further fuel the group’s resolve to continue advocating for Medicaid.

They say their purpose is not merely to speak to their elected representatives but to ensure that the voices of those who rely on these services are heard. Those on hand expressed their commitment to ongoing advocacy, with calls for further action, including follow-up meetings, community outreach and mobilization efforts.

“In a climate where healthcare access is constantly under threat, advocacy efforts like these are essential,” Tseffos said. “This demonstration serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that community activism plays in shaping policy and protecting essential healthcare programs. We want to ensure that this message of support for Medicaid is not lost in the tumult of all this political maneuvering.”