Learn More About the “Sick of It!” Campaign Here.
This week, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), local elected officials, providers, advocates, and storytellers joined Protect Our Care in Alaska, California, Georgia, New Hampshire, and North Carolina to continue the “Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now” campaign, our largest grassroots campaign to date giving voice to the millions of Americans rightfully sick of Trump and Republicans in Congress gutting our health care. Speakers demanded action from lawmakers and called for solutions to lower costs, lower barriers to care, and fix our broken health care system.
As Congress heads home for the August recess, Protect Our Care is holding Republicans’ feet to the fire for their devastating vote to cut over $1 trillion from health care to hand out tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations. “GOP Hot Seat Summer” is bringing the fight right to Republican lawmakers’ doorsteps by holding empty-chair town halls, organizing petition drop-offs, hosting accountability events, and highlighting stories from Americans harmed by Republicans’ catastrophic health care cuts.
Alaska
Wednesday, August 12 – “Sick of It!” Recess Event with Mat-Su United for Progress and Health Care Professionals: Mat-Su Valley health care professionals, including Dr. Peter Bauer and registered nurses Kimberly Slone, Jessica Kusner-Kalarchik, and Renee Kusner-Kalarchik joined Protect Our Care Alaska and Mat-Su United for Progress outside the Wasilla Public Library as part of the Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now campaign, a nationwide effort giving voice to Americans frustrated by rising health care costs and cuts to coverage and care. “A 30-year-old shouldn’t die of sepsis if they’re otherwise healthy because they can’t go to a doctor because they don’t have the money to afford it,” Renee Kusner-Kalarchik said. “That’s ridiculous. And it’s horrible to see that kind of thing happen. So please, let’s make some changes.” You can read the post-event release here.
California
Tuesday, August 11 – “Sick of It!” Recess Event with Congresswoman Laura Friedman and Health Care Advocates: Rep. Laura Friedman, Dr. Jerry Abraham, and Monica Lazo with the Economic Security Project joined Protect Our Care CA to continue the “Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now” campaign, a multi-month effort giving voice to the millions of Americans rightfully sick of Trump and Republicans in Congress gutting our health care. Speakers called on lawmakers to restore Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits and Medicaid funding, lower costs, remove barriers to care, and fix our broken health care system. “1.2 million Californians have lost their health coverage, and that didn’t happen by accident,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Trump and Congressional Republicans let the ACA tax credits expire and cut a trillion dollars from Medicaid to pay for a trillion dollars in tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. I’m proud to have helped force a vote in the House, where a bipartisan majority passed the fix seven months ago. Every day the Senate refuses to vote, more families in my district lose care they can’t replace.” You can read the post-event release here.
- KMEX (Univision): Rep. Laura Friedman joins Protect Our Care California to Discuss GOP Attacks on Health Care, CA Hospitals
- Spectrum 1 SoCal (via X): Rep. Laura Friedman rallies against Medicaid cuts and hospital closures
Michigan
Tuesday, August 11 – Democratic Party of Michigan John James Accountability Event with State Legislators and Advocates: Protect Our Care Michigan provided storytellers Eric Schneidewind and Dr. Mike Zaroukian for the Michigan Democrats’ event holding Republican Rep. John James accountable for his extreme record of only looking out for himself while voting to cut healthcare and raise prices on Michiganders. “Three weeks ago as we stood talking in the kitchen, our friend Chris told us that she faced financial ruin,” said Eric Schneidewind. “Chris is in her late 50’s and has pre-existing medical conditions. She has been buying health insurance on the ACA marketplace for $325 a month, but about a month ago, cuts in the ACA subsidies contained in the 2025 Republican budget bill raised her premium to $843 per month, plus a $5,500 deductible—an annual increase of over $10,000.” You can read the post-event release here.
New Hampshire
Thursday, August 13 – “Sick of It” Accountability Event with New Hampshire Representative Dr. David Nagel and the New Hampshire Public Health Association: The New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA) and state Representative Dr. David Nagel joined Protect Our Care New Hampshire to discuss the growing challenges surrounding health care affordability, access to care, and public health in the Granite State. Panelists discussed the financial pressures facing New Hampshire’s health care system, including increasing insurance premiums, reduced access to maternity and behavioral health services, workforce shortages, and the implementation of new Medicaid eligibility requirements over the coming years. “Health care affordability and public health go hand in hand. It’s not enough to have insurance—people need timely access to primary care, preventive services, and trusted health information close to home,” said Tory Jennison, Executive Director, New Hampshire Public Health Association. “Strong public health is built on prevention. Whether it’s vaccinations, early screenings, or access to primary care, investing in prevention helps people stay healthier and reduces costs across the health care system.” You can read the post-event release here.