Protesters who want the Missouri state legislature to adopt the use of federal tax dollars to expand eligibility for Medicaid in the state disrupted debate in the state Senate, shutting it down temporarily on Tuesday.
Missouri is among more than 20 states who have opted not to expand assistance to low-income persons under the Medicaid Expansion.
Springfield News Leader reports that 23 protestors were arrested and the state Senate shut down for about an hour, beginning at around 11:30 CST.
Though not technically recessed, the Senate was described as “at ease” as shouts of “Medicaid Expansion! Do it now!” drowned out debate on the floor.
“Missouri Senate expand Medicaid, bring dignity, do your jobs!” the demonstrators shouted.
Capital police were eventually called in to removed the protestors, taking about 15 minutes to clear the chamber and the Senate resumed business about 12:20 p.m.
Organizer Andrew Kling said lawmakers needed a wake-up call. He gave reporters copies of a letter he said had been sent to all senators explaining the demonstration.
“We believe it is our role as citizens and faith leaders of this state to hold you accountable to this sacred covenant,” the letter says.
Progress Missouri, linked to the protest, posted the audio below which it claims is a recording of the moment the Senate was shut down.
Below are a couple of tweets, followed by video of the disruption.
Proud to stand along side hundreds of Missourians who want Medicaid expansion #moleg pic.twitter.com/GQWDWmvv4w
— Martha (@Womenrwatching1) May 6, 2014
Dr. Rob Schaaf, Missouri State Senator, 34th district
Medicaid expansion proponents are lawlessly stopping the proceedings of the Missouri Senate screaming and yelling.
— Dr. Rob Schaaf (@robschaaf) May 6, 2014
Progress Missouri: Faith Leaders Stand Up for Human Dignity, Medicaid Expansion
Missouri Net News: Protesters demanding Medicaid expansion disrupt MO Senate
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