Protestors in Binghamton fighting against proposed Medicaid and Medicare cuts

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) -- People from across the Southern Tier gathered in downtown Binghamton, protesting the potential cuts to essential funding in the federal budget.

Healthcare professionals, those who depend on that funding, and the Lieutenant Governor all spoke against the proposed multi-billion dollar Medicaid and Medicare cuts.

“Radical republicans are passing massive cuts to essential services for those that are most vulnerable across the board,” said Lead Organizer from Citizen Action of New York Ravo Root. “We’re talking about Medicaid, which they passed $880 billion in cuts. Which is not acceptable.”

Citizen Action and Binghamton Indivisible have recently hosted rallies throughout downtown Binghamton while critical federal funding cuts hang in the balance.

“I think we have to recognize that the only way they’re going to make the $880 billion in cuts that they want is by cutting Medicaid, Social Security and Medicare,” said protestor Marita. “I think we need to recognize that.”

The Medicare and Medicaid cut would strip healthcare for millions of seniors, children and people with disabilities.

“I’m so worried of people losing their health insurance,” Marita said.

While Republicans are streamlining the cuts, the Chair of Broome County Republicans believes some change is necessary.

“They’re talking Medicaid cuts at the federal government, I really want to draw attention to the health care system in New York state,” said Benji Federman. “I think Governor Kathy Hochul has done a pretty bad job at managing health care across New York state.”

He’s not the only one who believes that. New York’s Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has stepped forward to replace Hochul.

He joined the protest as a key speaker, advocating for the working class and equal benefits every American should get.

“I think particularly with any democracy you have to understand that its built on a moral idea. This idea that we are all created equal is a moral idea,” said Delgado. “Then you need to have your values that reflect that and love is the ultimate value.”