Protesters were upset with Upton’s choice to vote yes on Thursday for the GOP health care legislation.
KALAMAZOO, MI – Some constituents of U. S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, are not happy with his yes vote on the GOP health care legislation, which they made clear with multiple protests at his Kalamazoo office.
The bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, was narrowly approved in the U. S. House Thursday afternoon.
“High premiums, lack of access, rising costs. These don’t just impact Republicans or Democrats. They impact us all. The status quo is simply unacceptable, ” Upton said in a statement released after the bill passed.
“Our legislation is a first step in the right direction to ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare.”
Two separate protests, one at 1 p.m. and another at 4: 30 p.m., took place at Upton’s office in downtown Kalamazoo Thursday. The 1: 30 p.m. protest was organized by MoveOn.org while Michigan People’s Campaign and ProKzoo organized the 4: 30 p.m. protest.
The later protest was scheduled prior to the passing of the bill and was a direct result of Upton’s decision to support the bill, said Christine Lewis with the Michigan People’s Campaign.
Protesters at 1 p.m. took time to enter Upton’s office to voice their complaints to staff members while at 4: 30 p.m., they lined the street outside his office with signs and chants to make their opinions known.
Upton had previously come out against the GOP health care legislation on Tuesday saying he would not support the latest version of the legislation to repeal and replace the ACA.
He, along with other members of the House, met with President Donald Trump on Wednesday to discuss the legislation.
Later that day, Upton said he would support the legislation with an $8 billion amendment added over five years to assist those with pre-existing conditions in states that seek waivers under the Republican health care plan.
Michigan Rep. Fred Upton says he’ll support GOP health care plan with $8B amendment
That’s not going to be nearly enough, ” Martha Faketty, of Kalamazoo said of the amendment. “It’s going to cost lives.”
Jessica Martin, vice president of the Young Democrats of Michigan, said she felt betrayed by Upton’s new stance.
“He’s falsely representing the 6th district, ” she said.
Martin, who has preexisting conditions, is also worried about her access to healthcare with a repeal of the ACA.
State Rep. Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo, released a statement following the news of the bill’s passing.
“I am absolutely appalled that Congressional members — including many from Michigan — voted today to break their promises to the American people, by agreeing to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with truly terrible legislation, ” Hoadley said.
“What is even more despicable is the fact that Congress voted to exempt themselves from the new health care plan because they knew it was wrong. The people of Michigan, and this nation, deserve better. I hope that our members of Congress who supported this disastrous bill are ready for a fight, because we’re not giving up without one.”
