Faith Leaders to Hold Multi-Faith Vigil Urging Rep. Gabe Evans to Oppose Medicaid Cuts and Harmful Immigration Budget Proposals

Northglenn, CO — On Wednesday, April 23rd, faith and community leaders with Together Colorado held a powerful multi-faith vigil and action outside Congressman Gabe Evans’ district office, urging him to stand with immigrant families and reject deep cuts to Medicaid and essential social programs in the federal budget.

The gathering was in response to proposed budget resolutions that would slash Medicaid funding to expand immigration enforcement and detention — a move that jeopardizes the health, safety, and dignity of thousands of families across Colorado. As a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, Congressman Evans holds a key role in shaping the future of healthcare access in his district and beyond.

"We come to pray... and we call on Representative Evans, as a fellow Christian, to help us bring our neighbors living in despair and fear out of this Good Friday moment," said Rev. Daniel Viehland, a Methodist pastor and faith leader with Together Colorado. "No matter our race, faith, or where we come from - all our families and neighbors deserve to have dignity. Help us build a country where immigrants are welcomed, because we were once immigrants too."

The vigil featured moving music by Together Colorado Board member Art Jones with No Enemies, prayers and reflections from Christian, Jewish, and interfaith clergy, and moving testimonies from directly impacted constituents of Rep. Evans, including stories of how Medicaid access has made the difference between stability and crisis for Colorado families.

At a time when Congress is advancing budget proposals that would enshrine these harmful policies, faith leaders emphasized that a budget is a moral document — a reflection of our values and priorities as a society, asking: What does it mean, morally, to trade health care for handcuffs? 

Andrea Gamboa from Broomfield, CO shared: 

“If I lost Medicaid and couldn’t pay for my essential treatments, I wouldn’t be able to stand here today. It’s only because of Medicaid that I’m able to reconnect with my family and work in a field I love. I urge Congressman Evans to consider the immediate and long-term consequences of cutting these vital programs — not just for me, but for millions of families who depend on them.”

Attendees filled out prayer cards addressed to Rep. Evans and signed a large community message board. A delegation of clergy and community members personally delivered these messages to the Congressman’s office.

The vigil closed with a strong call to action, urging attendees and the broader public to take immediate steps: contact Rep. Evans to reject proposed cuts to food assistance and Medicaid intended to fund mass deportations; encourage neighbors and loved ones to join in making calls; and attend a follow-up community gathering next month to continue the fight for dignity, healthcare, and immigrant justice.

According to the Center for American Progress, more than 40,000 residents in Rep. Evans’ district could lose Medicaid coverage under the proposed federal cuts. Medicaid provides critical health care coverage for low-income children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families.Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young has warned that these cuts could cost the state billions in federal support, putting countless lives and livelihoods at risk.