Rally protests healthcare bill

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Dozens gathered outside Congressman Fred Upton's office in Kalamazoo Thursday to protest the healthcare bills being presented on Capitol Hill.

While projections on the new Senate plan have not been released, the Congressional Budget Office estimated the original bill could have cut access to Medicaid for millions of people.

"The way the bill is written now 14 million people who are on Medicaid will lose their coverage. That will be disastrous for the poorest people in the country," says Kalamazoo Vice Mayor Don Cooney.

Cooney says the bills are putting people's lives in jeopardy.

"My sign says caution lives at stake because if these bills ever became law thousands of people would die," says Cooney. "They make healthcare a commodity. We say it's a human right."

Congressman Fred Upton released the following statement to Newschannel 3:

"After a preliminary review of the Senate’s new discussion draft it’s clear that work remains. I’m anxious to see what the amendment process will look like and what the finished product will be. No, this process has not been perfect – but as premiums here in Michigan continue to skyrocket under Obamacare, it’s apparent that sitting idly by is not an option. Folks deserve real healthcare solutions that bring down premium costs and increase access to quality care. All while protecting those with pre-existing conditions and providing a responsible transition for states like Michigan that expanded Medicaid to protect the most vulnerable Michiganders. That’s what I’ll continue to fight for.