Groups in Clark County rally for affordable health care

March 20--Across Clark County on Sunday, people protested with the hopes of sending a message to Washington, D.C.: Don't repeal the Affordable Care Act.

There were about nine different independent groups gathered, some with 20 or 30 people, at busy intersections holding signs directed at the Trump administration.

Alden Bice stood with about 30 other people stretched out along the sidewalk next to Northeast 117th Avenue near 76th Street.

Bice, 62, recently retired after about 35 years in the health care system.

"I know what's about to happen," Bice said as he held a sign reading, "Trumpcare. Bad. Sick. Sad. Loser."

Many of the protesters want the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, to be tweaked and improved upon. But they are worried about the Republican-led plan currently proposed in Congress, called the American Health Care Act. The replacement was drafted by House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

"I think we gave the message that we think the Affordable Care Act should be kept and repaired," Mary Laski said toward the end of the protest as a few cars honked in support as they zoomed by. Plus, she added, later, "We feel we're getting the message out that we won't sit still and let our country be disrupted."

At Southeast Mill Plain Boulevard and Chkalov Drive, Marjean Rubin said she's upset about the "lack of vision in Trumpcare." The retired pediatric physical therapist said she spent her life helping disabled children and worries that this budget would hurt the most vulnerable citizens.

Another woman in the same group as Rubin hoisted a sign reading, "Trumpcare kills seniors."

Betsy Porter, who was with another group of about 30 people near Southeast 164th Avenue and Cascade Park Drive, said she's concerned the plan's logic is flawed.

"Offering a tax credit on the back end, when a lot of people can't afford to pay for coverage up front is an issue," Porter said.

Nearby, wearing one of the so-called "pussyhats" that were made for the women's marches in January, Irene Dilley said her son has severe autism.

"If they move to block grants, there are so many people like him who will lose care," Dilley said. Her son lives in a facility with caretakers, and she's worried about what would happen to him if federal funds were slashed. She said her mission was to urge Congress to "help everyone, not just the rich."

Earlier during the weekend, a coalition led by labor, faith and community groups called Hear Our Voice scheduled a candlelight vigil at Esther Short Park to urge U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, to protect the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. Similar protest were scheduled in other congressional districts around the state.

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