Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, faces mounting pressure from constituents to reject proposed budget cuts that could threaten federal funding for Medicaid. The program provides health care for up to two-thirds of his district’s residents.
Civil rights activist Dolores Huerta spoke at a rally outside Valadao’s Bakersfield office on Monday. She emphasized the significance of Medicaid to local communities. Several dozen people gathered outside a Kern County public services building on M Street at noon for the event. “These cuts would be totally devastating here for the community,” Huerta said. “And that is why we are here today to say to Valadao that he has got to stand up for his constituents and vote no.”
NEW: Republican-led budget cuts could strip health coverage, food assistance, and other essential services from millions of Californians.
Slashing federal funds threatens vital programs in every congressional district.
See how your community is impacted: https://t.co/cZANylRKuH
— California Budget & Policy Center (@CalBudgetCenter) February 25, 2025
The demonstration followed a town hall meeting last week at a senior center in Oildale that reportedly attracted more than 150 people. Attendees expressed their worries about how the proposed cuts would affect their access to healthcare services.
Deep Medicaid cuts could shift $10B-$20B+ in costs to California, destabilizing the #CAbudget.
“These cuts are especially worrisome… costs would need to be absorbed somehow to keep Medi-Cal whole,” says @SHGraves29.
Read more from @philwillon. https://t.co/aZw9WCopwk
— California Budget & Policy Center (@CalBudgetCenter) February 25, 2025
Valadao has not yet publicly stated his position on the proposed budget cuts, making the demonstration crucial for his constituents and advocacy groups. Medicaid is a lifeline for many families in California’s 21st Congressional District, which includes parts of Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties.
Critics argue that reducing federal support for the program could have serious consequences for low-income families and elderly residents who rely on it. Randy Villegas, a Visalia Unified School District board member and a college professor, urged Valadao to vote against the budget. “I grew up on W.I.C. programs.
Recent #policy proposals threaten to cut #ACA subsidies, impose #Medicaid work requirements & shift costs to states—placing millions at risk.
Read more on the impact of these changes in L.A. Care CEO Martha Santana-Chin’s latest op-ed @FierceHealth.https://t.co/b2l3lsiPhf— L.A. Care Health Plan (@LACareHealth) February 24, 2025
Medicaid cuts face community resistance
I grew up on free and reduced lunch and Medi-Cal,” Villegas said. These programs allowed me to survive and thrive in my community. Villegas also raised concerns about potential cuts to other essential programs. “I know that these programs affect the 30,000 plus students in my own district, the thousands of students across this [congressional] district.
Two out of three of every constituent relies on Medicare or Medicaid. So we need you to stand up for our communities.”
Tal Eslick, Valadao’s former chief of staff, acknowledged that the Trump administration might consider entitlement reforms in the future. “There are many shades of gray within it,” Eslick said.
“These are giant programs, hundreds of billions of dollars in value. You can make reforms, look at who is eligible for them, and look at ways to add competition so we can lower the price of some of the services and goods associated with those entitlement programs. There are a lot of things that could be done.”
House Republicans can only afford to lose one vote to pass the budget on the margins, making Valadao’s decision pivotal. Activists at the rally stressed the importance of making their voices heard and urged the community to unite in opposition to the budget plan.
They hope their efforts will persuade Valadao to vote against the cuts and protect crucial healthcare funding for his district.
Photo by; Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash