NC Democrats Rally at State Legislature Against USAID, Medicaid Cuts
RALEIGH, NC — A crowd gathered outside the North Carolina General Assembly on Tuesday as NC Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton, State Senator Natalie Murdock, and other Democratic leaders rallied against proposed federal funding cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Medicaid.
The event, organized by the North Carolina Democratic Party, aimed to highlight the local impact of the Trump administration’s budget proposals. Murdock specifically pointed to FHI 360, a Durham-based nonprofit that relies heavily on USAID funding, which has placed more than 370 employees in North Carolina on indefinite leave due to funding uncertainty.
“This isn’t just about international aid,” Murdock said. “This is about North Carolinians losing their jobs because of reckless budgeting decisions in Washington.”
Beyond international aid, potential Medicaid reductions were a key concern at the rally. Burlington healthcare worker Jessica Simons shared how many of her patients rely on Medicaid, and reductions could mean serving fewer patients and increasing strain on healthcare providers.
“If Congress moves forward with these cuts, people will suffer,” Simons told The News & Observer. “Many of my patients already struggle to get the care they need. This will make it worse.”
Economic and Healthcare Implications
The proposed Medicaid changes could impact thousands of North Carolinians, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is already limited. According to national labor data, many direct care workers—including home health aides and nursing assistants—depend on Medicaid reimbursements to support their jobs.
“These cuts don’t just hurt patients,” said an organizer from the NC Justice Center, a progressive policy group. “They hurt the healthcare workers who take care of them.”
With federal budget negotiations still ongoing, advocates on both sides of the issue are pushing for their voices to be heard. The North Carolina Democratic Party is urging elected officials to reject the cuts, while Republican leaders argue that spending reductions are necessary for long-term fiscal stability.
As the debate unfolds, the impact on North Carolina’s economy, workforce, and healthcare system remains a pressing issue.
Stay with the Bull City Citizen for ongoing coverage of policy debates affecting North Carolinians.
