Coloradans rally at state capitol against federal cuts and layoffs
A group of former federal employees and concerned citizens gathered at the state Capitol in Denver on Tuesday to call on state officials to support those impacted by ongoing and upcoming federal cuts and layoffs.
Susan Abbott, a recently terminated federal worker for the U.S. Agency for International Development, spoke at the event. She emphasized the uncertainty and fragility many are feeling in the current political climate, especially after the dismantling of USAID, where she had worked for 25 years.
Abbott highlighted the challenges faced by those affected by layoffs and budget cuts under President Trump’s administration, as well as the personal toll it has taken on individuals like Terrill Kucera, a former USAID subcontractor.
Kucera shared his experience of abrupt layoffs, financial struggles, and the emotional toll of having to lay off his entire team after projects were abandoned without warning.
Since the layoffs, Coloradans affected by the cuts have been meeting regularly at the Posner Center for International Development to strategize and support each other.
At the rally, attendees called on lawmakers to expedite unemployment benefits and extend eligibility for those impacted by the cuts. Democratic State Senators Matt Ball, Judy Amabile, and James Coleman expressed their support for the workers and pledged to address the challenges they are facing.
Despite the divide among Americans regarding the federal cuts, with 51% approving and 49% disapproving, the affected individuals continue to advocate for support and recognition of their contributions to the community.
As the rally concluded, the attendees were invited into the Capitol for further discussions on federal worker layoffs and Colorado unemployment, with a commitment from lawmakers to protect the state in the face of federal government actions.
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