A black RV wrapped with the slogan “Drive for Our Lives” parked outside of the Old Courthouse in South Bend. People gathered to hear stories about the importance of health care in the community and what advocates say is at stake if the Affordable Care Act is repealed and replaced.
Ben Wikler, from the national progressive organizing group MoveOn, said the country was very close to losing health care for millions.
“And it could happen again, if there’s one change in a senate seat, in a special election, in an accident, who knows what, we could lose this thing,” he said, “And so, staying vigilant now, even though it seems the danger has passed is imperative.”
He says that Indiana is a state where the fight for the Affordable Care Act can be won or lost.
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg said it’s important to highlight the health care conversation in places like South Bend.
“Because decisions made in Washington affect families in places like South Bend,” Buttigieg said, “So giving some of those families a microphone, letting them tell their stories, I think that’s really good for the community.
Buttigieg says communities like South Bend can’t stop talking about health care reform as long as the discussion continues in Washington, D.C.