Mamma Mia! Medicaid Mayhem in Mushroom Kingdom… I Mean, U.S. Capitol!

Wa hoo! Protesters Take a Stand!

It's a me Mario your favorite plumber turned reporter! I'm a here to tell you about something that's a not so super: a big kerfuffle in the U.S. Capitol! Seems like some folks are a not too happy with President Trump's budget bill especially the part about Medicaid. These brave Goombas… I mean people decided to make their voices heard even if it meant getting a little… hands on with the authorities. You know sometimes you gotta jump to reach the flagpole!

Bowsers Behind Bars!

So these protesters some of them even using wheelchairs (talk about a koopa shell ection!) decided to rally inside the Russell Senate Office Building. But a oh no! The Capitol Police weren't too thrilled about this 'crowding obstructing or incommoding' behavior. Seems like they forgot that 'it's a me Mario's famous line. Anyway Thirty three folks ended up getting arrested for causing a ruckus indoors. That's a more than the number of coins I usually collect in a single level!

Crossing the Picket Line... It's a Me!

And a wait there's a more! One brave soul decided to cross a police line outside while the arrests were a happening bringing the grand total to thirty four! Mamma mia! Talk about going for the high score. I guess he figured it was a 'Game Over' for the original protest so he tried to sneak in a bonus round. Gotta admire the dedication even if it’s a little… y’know against the rules.

Mushroom Kingdom Alternatives

Now the Capitol Police spokesperson was quick to point out that there are like perfectly legal places to protest on Capitol Grounds. You know places where you won't end up in the Bowser's castle… I mean jail. But hey maybe these protesters felt like the best way to get their message across was to go straight to the source. Sometimes you gotta take the warp zone even if it’s a little risky!

Medicaid Mayhem: A Piranha Plant in the Budget?

But a why all the fuss you ask? Well Trump's budget bill includes some serious cuts to Medicaid which is a big deal for low income and disabled Americans. It helps over 70 million people that's almost the population of the entire Mushroom Kingdom! The House and Senate versions even want to make people work to get Medicaid which could leave millions without coverage. That's a no good no good at all! It's like taking away someone's Super Mushroom right before a boss battle!

Game Over for Compassion?

So there you have it folks! A real life political level filled with twists turns and… handcuffs. Will these protesters' actions make a difference? Will the Senate listen to their concerns? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the fight for Medicaid is far from over. And remember folks: "Here we go!" (…to stay informed and involved!).