Protesters gathered on April 15th to protest senior United States senator, Todd Young. The senator visited Bloomington to speak at The Greater Chamber Bloomington Commerce discussion. Young spoke on many topics that the protesters were concerned about.
The main concern of protesters was protecting Medicaid. One protester, Erika Stoner, has personal ties to the program. Her brother suffered a stroke, and had to be cared for around the clock.
“If we had not had that, it would have been devastating,” said Stoner referring to Medicaid.
At the discussion, Young spoke on Medicaid and Medicare cuts. His reasoning for these cuts is due to the lack of sustainability these programs hold.
“We can’t keep lying about the state of these programs. They’re not sustainable,” said Young.
Young focuses on balancing America’s financial situation and works with Elon Musk. He sees himself as a mediator between the officials in Washington, D.C and his constituents.
Todd Young speaks his reasoning for wanting to reduce programs, like Medicaid, and how he works with Elon Musk.
Young feels that he is completing his job of being the mediator between the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his constituents. The feeling is not mutual among the protesters, they feel that Young has not been doing his job, but rather solely siding with President Trump and his administration.
Protesters held signs that read “Do Your Job” and “Hey Todd, Protect Our Constitution.”
Young said that he recognizes how actions within DOGE have been slow and that some programs should not have been cut; however, he still stands with the president and his administration.
“I agree with 90% of what the president is attempting to do. Maybe on that 10% I discreetly talk to the president, share concerns, try to bring clarity to things,” said Young. “Then I can help all of you when you approach me and say ‘Can you help me on my priority?’ Right because otherwise you burn those bridges and lose the ability to be effective.”
There is still a disconnect with constituents because many protesters feel that they are not being heard by Young.
Erika Stoner, Susan Yelley, and Bill Breeden explain what they hope to accomplish through the protest.
Protesters were clear about their intentions; they wanted to get the attention of Young to show him that they are here and have a voice.
A lifelong Hoosier, Susan Yelley, made a sign that said “What would Hamilton and Lugar do?”
“Todd Young has often said, I have heard him say, that he models himself and admires Hamilton and Lugar, former representatives,” said Yeller. “Who really modeled by partisanship, compassion, and the reasonable Republican party that we used to know.”
Yeller does not see the former representatives’ models replicated in Young’s actions.
“I just wonder where that’s gone because I do not think Hamilton and Lugar would be in favor of almost anything happening these days in Washington,” said Yeller.
Yeller is not alone with this feeling, some, like Bill Breeden, feel that we are entering a world of fascism. Breeden said that President Trump’s actions are propelling the United States toward that outcome.
“Basically we are looking at fascism, it’s clear and simple,” said Breeden. “Deportation, incarceration, and then, as Germany did it, incineration. We are getting to that position, it’s a real crisis for America.”
Breeden is calling on Young to push back against the President’s actions, and this protest was to convey that message.
“We’ve got people all over the country standing up, and I think we’ll win this,” said Breeden, “I really do.”
