On Tuesday, March 4, approximately 50 people gathered at Veterans Park in Lock Haven to rally in support of veterans and against federal actions that could cause more challenges for those who served.
The massive employee cuts by DOGE to federal departments are disproportionately impacting veterans, who make up more than a quarter of the workforce and are served by the Veterans Administration where 80,000 people are expected to be let go.
“We wanted to show our support to a demographic that is so important to this community!” said Bre Brannan, Clinton County Democratic Committee chair. “We had a great turnout today at our rally for Veterans, and the sentiment was clear: we want our Veterans to be treated better and Elon must go!”
In Clinton County, 2,125 (83%) of county veterans use the VA Health Care services (CCVA report). Forty percent, or 1027 of veterans in the county, have a disability rating with the VA. In 2024, $11 million in claims flowed into the county. Elimination of this many VA employees may reduce veteran services, which could have serious impacts on our local veterans, and for those in surrounding, rural counties.
“If cuts are proposed, they need to be a result of thorough analysis and consideration of veterans’ needs and services, and not a chainsaw resulting in dire consequences to our veterans,” said Debbie Meder, CCDC committee woman and treasurer of the Clinton County Democratic Women. “We need to make our voices heard to our elected officials by contacting their offices and asking them to carefully consider how any cuts to VA personnel and veterans’ services will impact our local men and women. Waiting until after legislation is passed or decisions are made is too late. If cuts are proposed, we need to react and make our voices heard to prevent rollbacks to critical services.”
Brannan said the rally was mostly received with positive honks, waves, and thumbs up from passersby.
“As DOGE and the new presidential administration continue cutting funding, and not tending to the nose-diving economy, rest assured that will be back to rally again,” Brannan said.
Clinton County Democratic Party 