Connecticut activists who oppose President Donald Trump's agenda say they're energized by the defeat of the Republicans' health care overhaul, and ready for the next fight.
The controversy around the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act has been accompanied by a remarkable level of citizen activism, with constituents contacting their members of congress to express their views and tell their health care stories.
Action Together Connecticut, a grassroots group with 5,000 members around the state, was one of the moving forces in the Nutmeg State. Organizer Valerie Horsley said she sees the failure of the health care bill as a vindication of their work.
"I think it's making a big difference," she said. "People are really awake now and they're excited that we're giving them some platforms to express their frustration and get involved."
Activism for groups within a blue state like Connecticut might look a little different than in a place with Republican representatives, but Horsley said she still believes it's important to speak up.
"Senator Chris Murphy has been saying at some of his town hall meetings, that all of these calls -- even to him -- are really working," said Horsley. "Even though our members of Congress generally are supportive of the ACA, we wanted them to be able to speak in Washington about even how much Connecticut residents need the ACA."
Democratic senators and representatives used the stories of constituents to illustrate speeches in Congress during the health care debate.
Horsley says the group is continuing to work on the state level to support legislation which may protect people's care if the Affordable Care Act is eventually repealed.
