DeKALB – The Democratic candidate for the 16th Congressional District heard from people in DeKalb County on Saturday who have been affected by a range of political issues, from Medicaid and Medicare cuts to paying for college.

Wanda Rohl of Ottawa hosted a two-hour “speak out” at the DeKalb Park District, where she addressed questions about income inequality, the housing market and health care. Rohl strongly advocates for the social safety net she said saved her life. She has been paralyzed from the rib cage down since 2003 as the result of an ATV accident.

DeKalb resident Ashe Del Valle said Medicaid and Medicare cuts make it difficult for her to rely on that social safety net. She told the audience of about 50 people she has a visual impairment and other medical conditions. One medication costs $2,000 a month.