Activists protest GOP stance on Medicaid cuts

July 10--A group of activists are planning to camp for two weeks in front of the El Paso County Republican Party headquarters in West El Paso, demanding visibility and for GOP lawmakers to oppose changes to Medicaid.

Members of ADAPT of Texas, a grassroots disability rights group, said the protest is in response to the Better Care Reconciliation Act, a Senate bill aimed at repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. Activists said the GOP-sponsored bill could potentially cut and cap Medicaid benefits to the disabled and their caretakers.

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"We intend to be out here until we hear if the bill is voted on and passed," said Josue Rodriguez, an organizer for the El Paso chapter of ADAPT of Texas. "We're hoping it doesn't pass because it's going to affect a lot of people with disabilities, and not only people with disabilities but anyone who relies on Medicaid."

A group of about 10 activists set up their camp at the end of Paragon Lane after being told they could not camp directly in front of GOP headquarters. Rodriguez said employees at the headquarters have called police on the group, and that the police said the group can continue to practice their right to protest.

Bob Peña, executive director of the El Paso County Republican Party, said the activists protested at headquarters last week and were escorted out by police.

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"They set up Wednesday night and police moved them to the street, and our legal counsel sent us the picketing code for the city of El Paso that says you cannot be on a public roadway. And so now you have them today with their marching and the tents and setting up camps. If we allow people to get away with a little bit then they can get away with more and more," Peña said.

Peña said he supports the group's right to protest but it needs to be nonviolent and in accordance with the law.

"These people have a right to protest but in the proper way," Peña said. "Like on the sidewalk, or they can contact Beto O'Rourke, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz and tell them what their position is. We don't write the laws. We're just here to take care of our local Republican Oarty people."

Rodriguez said they've gotten a lot of support from passersby and surrounding businesses. On Saturday afternoon, cars leaving the neighboring EP Fitness gym honked in support of the group.

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"We've had great support from the community and businesses around here. They've allowed us to use their restrooms and showers and to power up our chairs and phones," Rodriguez said.

Jose Lara, an activist who said he needs help from a caretaker to get ready in the mornings, said the proposed changes to Medicaid would lead to decreased independence in his life.

"I'm a quadriplegic, and I won't be able to get up in the morning. I need an attendant. If they cut the services, I'd have to go to a nursing home," Lara said. "We want to avoid ending up in a nursing home. It's important for us and for many who depend on Medicaid."

Sara Sanchez can be reached at 546-6147; [email protected]; @siempresarita on Twitter.

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