Article by Nancy Cutler Rockland/Westchester Journal News USA TODAY NETWORK  POMONA – The message was clear from some 3,000 people who rely on Medicaid, their caregivers and the agencies that support them: protect Medicaid. At the “Rally in the Valley,” held Friday at Clover Stadium, people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid, their support workers and agencies that serve the disabilities community came together to advocate for the federal health care program that supports lowincome and disabled people. About 72 million Americans, including 7 million New Yorkers, receive Medicaid assistance. The focus of much of the crowd’s ire: a federal budget blueprint, backed by Republicans in Congress, that experts say would lead to $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid. Advocates also seek more funding in NY budget and they let U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, an invited speaker who voted for the plan, know exactly how they felt about it. Lawler, a Republican, voted Feb. 25 on a bill with a spending reduction target that critics, as well as the Congressional Budget Office, say would slash Medicaid. Lawler stood by his vote. “I understand the concern about Medicaid,” Lawler said. Invoking record federal debt and spending, he said, the goal was to “eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.” Sporadic boos started building. Jawonio CEO Randi Rios-Castro and other agency leaders have said it’s unrealistic to think that much waste, fraud and abuse could be found in a highly regulated system. They say draconian cuts are the only way to achieve such savings.  Jawonio provides support and services for people with disabilities and special needs. Lawler acknowledged that many were going to differ from him on the issue. As he left the dais, he added, “I will always stand up to protect Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.” Several people in the stands booed and a couple shouted “liar!” while others clapped softly. Lawler’s 17th District includes all of Rockland and Putnam counties and parts of Westchester and Dutchess. Agencies from Sullivan to Long Island were at the rally. Advocates for the disabilities community are also demanding more funding in the New York state budget to provide a pay boost for direct-care workers. These workers take on key responsibilities, including distributing medications, managing personal hygiene and keeping people safe, agency leaders say. They are often paid barely above minimum wage.