Families, Community Members Gather to Stand Up to Federal Cuts at "Families First" Event

28 July 2025

Speaking out against the proposed cuts to key programs including Medicaid and SNAP which will impact thousands in Connecticut.

NEW HAVEN - Saturday, dozens gathered at the former Brennan Rogers Magnet School in New Haven to speak their frustration about impending federal budget cuts that will leave thousands in Connecticut struggling to survive.

The event, organized by SEIU 1199NE and Connecticut For All was to highlight the unity of several unions, elected officials, faith leaders and community members. Their message was simple and clear, the "Big Beautiful Bill" is an attack on so many in our state, from immigrants to the disabled, from those who represent a minority or who identify as low income.

Our message to Governor Lamont, Speaker Ritter, Senate President Looney and every legislator, is that if you are not in favor of raising revenue, raising state taxes on the same individuals that Trump just gave a tax break to, then you are supporting Donald Trump and his agenda.

Seth Freeman, President, SEIU 1973 - 4Cs

Seth Freeman, President of SEIU 1974 4Cs, addresses the crowd at the start of the event.

Attendees heard from several community members who have experienced struggles getting the care they need, accessing services and fears of their families being uprooted.

This isn't just about my family. It's about the hundreds here today. Over 156,000 people in Connecticut could lose Medicaid.

Maya Guyton, PCA, SEIU 1199NE

Maya Guyton, PCA with SEIU 1199NE, shares about her brother Kenny and their struggles to find care for him.

We heard how threats and cuts are leaving families making the horrible choice between the health of their own children and their personal safety. We've heard stories of students struggling with hunger while trying to focus on their education. We heard how women are finding access to necessary reproductive healthcare limited and ever shrinking.

Let's call this law what it is: a backdoor abortion ban. The Trump administration and their backers in Congress knew what “defunding” Planned Parenthood would do, putting the health and lives of their constituents at risk and they don't care. This law will make it harder- if not impossible- for everyone to get an abortion even in states where abortion is legal and protected. That's why we call on our state elected leaders to protect access to essential health care for Planned Parenthood patients.

Gretchen Raffa, Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, Planned Parenthood Votes

In the end the message was clear, Governor Lamont and the elected leaders here in Connecticut have a chance to do what's right. They can step up, protect the citizens of their state and call a Special Session this fall to increase state revenue by taxing the ultra-wealthy living within our state. They can't depend on the Rainy Day fund to bail us out, they need to make a change to increase tax revenue in our state.

We cannot yield to cuts that starve our future. The people are hungry. The people are tired. But we are also resilient. Stand with us. Be louder than hate. Be stronger than the cuts. The world will not move on without working people like us.

Maya Guyton, PCA, SEIU 1199NE

You can view the entire event and all the speakers below.