By Patrick Baron
BLOOMINGTON – As Republicans in Congress look to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, several people in Bloomington-Normal are fighting to keep it alive.
On the heels of Illinois passing its first state budget in two years, Illinois residents are preparing for a sizeable tax increase in an already tight budget. Despite this, Stand Up for Social Justice, an advocacy group in the Twin Cities, is calling for lawmakers to keep money flowing into healthcare. Jeanna Campbell, who was present at the rally outside the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, explained funding for healthcare remains a necessity.
“In my heart I feel, and what my experiences are telling me, is that we need funds where people pay their equal share,” said Campbell. “If you’re working a job and it’s low-income and that’s the job you can come by because of whatever life circumstances are coming your way, you shouldn’t be punished for that.”
Ernie Gonzalez, who stood and cheered for speakers at the rally, explained that even though he hasn’t had a healthcare emergency, he empathizes with those who do.
“Healthcare is a human right, it’s not a luxury item that we look for the best deal on – it’s something that we all must have available to us,” said Gonzalez. “It’s simple, it’s not that complicated. We can afford it.”
Stand Up for Social Justice meets once a month to advocate for their beliefs. At this particular rally they chanted “do no harm,” a phrase taken from the Hippocratic Oath.
Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].
