Indivisible is a grassroots movement with chapters across the state, including Mankato and St. Peter. Earlier this year, the New Ulm chapter was organized. The organization is committed to protecting the Constitution and the rights of others, as well as raising awareness about current issues–including potential cuts to veteran benefits.

“We wanted to do something about veterans and veteran issues,” New Ulm Indivisible Chapter founder Garret Ebling said. There is concern that the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could hurt veterans. New work requirements connected to Medicaid could impact disabled veterans. There are also potential cuts to The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill could lead to staffing reductions at the VA, impacting wait times for veterans seeking service and access to medical care.

Ebling said there could be 80,000 VA positions cut.

“Veterans are a vulnerable group who have paid a high price for us,” Ebling said. “There is a lot [veterans] could lose in this One Big Beautiful Bill. We appreciate what they have done to defend democracy in this country.”

Members of New Ulm Indivisible assembled at Center and Broadway to protest proposed cuts to veteran benefits in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” but also spoke out against other acts from the Trump Administration including DODGE cuts and tariffs. In photo L to R: Becky Heinerch, John Arnoldy and Molly Squeier.

“These cuts will hurt veterans,” demonstrator Pat Booker said. “They gave so much already. There should be a limit to these cuts.”

Veteran benefits were the main reason for the demonstration, but many were demonstrating against other issues with the Trump administration.

Jane Lesch held up a sign reading “Support our Veterans,” but admitted there were other issues she wanted to highlight.

“There is not enough cardboard to put it all on one sign,” she said.

This feeling was common among the demonstrators. Judi and Gene Nelson were part of the previous demonstration.

Members of the New Ulm Chapter of Indivisible took part in the Hands Off our Veterans rally at Center and Broadway, Saturday. John Arnoldy: Indivisible member John Arnoldy holds a “Hands off our vets” sign during Saturday’s demonstration.

“Today we’re here for veterans,” Judi Nelson said, but acknowledged they had to start recycling their sign, which listed other concerns with cuts to Social Security, Medicare and public libraries.

“Every day something is happening that can hurt people,” Nelson said. “Everything affects something else. VA service cuts will hurt veterans. Medicaid cuts will hurt senior citizens in nursing homes. It could hurt our rural medical center. Those facilities employ a lot of people in New Ulm. That could affect jobs.”

“There are so many issues,” demonstrator Wendy Weckwerth said. This was the third demonstration she has taken part in and said she regularly calls her local congressional office to vent her frustration.

Demonstrator Vickie Holm said in the ’60s when everything was being protested she was too young to join, but said now the demonstrations are near home.

“I just can’t sit at home and be silent,” Holm said.

Pat Booker wears a chicken mask during the most recent Indivisible demonstration. Booker wore the mask about President Donald Trump continuing to back down on tariffs.

This would later become a chant repeated by the demonstrators, saying “Make some noise, don’t be silent.”

Ebling said there is another demonstration planned for Saturday, June 14. This demonstration is being called “No Kings Day” and is intended as a protest against President Donald Trump’s military parade. Other chapters of Indivisible are planning simultaneous rallies on the same day.

Vickie Holm (left) and Robbi Heath (right) take part in the Indivisible “Hands Off Our Vets,” rally on Saturday.

Demonstrator Pat Bisenius holds a sign asking commutators along Broadway to stand for veterans. Bisenius said he was concerned that if people didn’t speak up, more rights could be lost. “I don’t want to be going back,” he said.