Democratic protesters push back on GOP budget plan

DALTON, Ga. — A group of Democratic protesters gathered outside Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Dalton office, speaking out against what they call harmful cuts in the proposed Republican budget.

The group raised concerns that residents across Georgia could see higher healthcare premiums and that Medicaid recipients might lose coverage if the plan moves forward.

Among the demonstrators was Lonna Lanier-Fountain, a local community member whose husband is a disabled veteran.

“They are having a devastating impact on so many issues that I care deeply about—women’s rights, of course, veterans’ rights…” she said.“My husband is a 100% disabled veteran, and he is concerned, like most other veterans in this country right now, about having their benefits taken away—having their health care taken away.”

While demonstrators held signs and chanted, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene issued a response, addressing the group’s claims and reaffirming her support for earned benefits.

“These 35 Democrat activists do not represent the nearly 800,000 residents of Northwest Georgia,” Greene stated.

Greene emphasized that she and President Trump remain committed to preserving major entitlement programs.

“President Trump and I have said over and over—we will protect Medicare and Social Security for Americans who have earned it—not for illegal aliens or fraudsters who don’t deserve it.”

Not everyone at the protest was there to pick a side.

Brandon Cervantes, a local resident, said he doesn’t place much trust in politicians—or protesters.

“There’s a lot of things I believe,” he said. “Personally, everything’s gonna work out—as long as I’m focused on following God, seeking His kingdom.”

“Most of all, I think everything’s gonna work out the way He has it, and He’ll take care of me and my family.”

He also called for greater unity and understanding.

“There are things that people shouldn’t take away—that people are against,” Cervantes added.“But as long as we find that middle ground, and make sure everyone understands that there is a middle ground—or that there is right from wrong—I think we could live in peace, or at least be tolerant of one another.”

As concerns about education spending surfaced, Cathy Kott, candidate for the State House of Representatives in District 6, criticized Republican proposals she believes would hurt public schools.

“Closing the Department of Education because of inefficiencies—that’s not very efficient,” she said.

“We have thousands and thousands of children who are in special ed, get federal funding, and are part of federal programs. They all need to be considered.”

Protesters say they will continue pushing for what they call a budget that works for “everyday Georgians,” not just the wealthy or well-connected.

Greene, however, stood firm, stating that the country’s growing debt must be addressed.

“To save our country, we must address our $36 trillion debt, which Democrats apparently don’t care about,” she said.

“DOGE is focused on exposing the waste, fraud, and abuse in these programs, and that’s exactly what I’m doing as Chairwoman of the DOGE Committee in Congress.”

Demonstrations are expected to continue through April 30, taking place every Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. outside Rep. Greene’s Dalton office.