NJACP, as part of the NJ Protect Medicaid Coalition, attended the Statehouse rally on Thursday, March 6. Armed with signs, cameras and loud voices 75 people from NJACP staff and agencies joined about 400 people to oppose the threats to Medicaid coming from the federal level. NJACP CEO, Valerie Sellers, and Director of Government Affairs and Communications, Maureen Shea were there to support our members and raise our voices as well! This is a critical time with Medicaid negotiations ongoing in Congress and this may not be the last opportunity to rally. NJACP reached out to Republican Members of Congress to emphasize cutting Medicaid is like cutting a lifeline for individuals with disabilities.

Speakers at the rally included self-advocates, DHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman, and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy.

The rally, led by the Alliance Centers for Independence, had a great turnout of individuals, families and providers in a very short time-frame and we appreciate all their efforts. The rally raised the visibility of the issues in New Jersey and our state and congressional representatives. Two major NJ news outlets picked up the story as well as the Rachel Maddow show, which showed a snippet of the rally in addition to other rallies across the nation. Links are below.

Please continue to respond to ANCORs call for action (includes talking points) and please also call the Republican Members of NJ’s Congressional delegation and let them know hands off Medicaid.