Constituents of Congressman Glenn Thompson protested outside of a campaign fundraiser at Bonfatto’s in Bellefonte.
Though no-one here at this protest actually voted for Glenn Thompson, they say they health care issue is something that effects everyone in their district. The protesters are concerned that the American Health Care Act isn’t going to help the people of the 5th district and believe even those on the other side of the aisle will begin to see it.
Organizer Marc Friedenberg said, “This law does nothing for the vast majority of people in our congressional district. I think that once people start to see the impact that it will have on them, it will probably change their minds and i think we’re seeing that happen.”
Teresa Welch is a health care provider and is concerned that the issues experienced before Obamacare will return with the new bill. She explained, “I remember having to make decisions about who received care and it was heartbreaking to have to do that. Especially as funding started running out which is what I’m concerned this bill is going to do.”
Before leaving, the protesters had a “die-in” where they laid the ground to signify the lives they believe will be lost because of this bill.
Congressman Thompson’s communications director, Renee Gamela, released the following statement in response to the protest:
“Attempts by a vocal group of activists to paint Congressman Thompson as inaccessible is disingenuous, given that he has met with the protest organizer on more than one occasion and many of the other individuals here this evening. While the freedom to peaceably assemble is a fundamental part of our democracy, such demonstrations should also include a true accounting of the facts. The American Health Care Act will not harm individuals with pre-existing conditions. In fact, protections are in place and insurers will continue to be prohibited from denying, coverage on the basis of a pre-existing condition. The public has demanded that Obamacare be repealed and replaced to stop the countless situations where people are losing their doctors, insurers are leaving the market, and rates continue to skyrocket. Congressman Thompson, a former non-profit healthcare provider, is committed to continuing to create a health care system that works for all Americans.”
