Upper Marlboro, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III released this statement in response to the Graham-Cassidy Health Care Bill that is being proposed in Congress:

“It is baffling that, after six months and multiple attempts by Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, they do not want to accept the fact that the healthcare paradigm has shifted and the American people need and want a federal healthcare system. It is this lack of understanding and acceptance that causes them to put forward proposals that do not reflect the needs of individuals and families within the communities they serve. They continue to try to deny Americans, Marylanders and Prince Georgians much needed health coverage and instead seek to transfer billions of dollars in cost back to states. As Governor Hogan, a Republican himself noted in his recent statement, the Graham-Cassidy Health Care Bill ‘will cost our state over $2 billion annually.’

This bill, like the others that have been proposed, is not about what will benefit people. It is about an antiquated failed philosophy that the federal government should not be in the business of providing healthcare to its citizens. I believe the American people have made it very clear that healthcare is essential to their quality of life and the federal government should provide it in some form or fashion. Congressional Republicans need to focus on solving the problem and addressing the need of all Americans for affordable healthcare. The American public will not accept proposals that put politics before people.

Healthcare is a major issue for most families, so Congress must take the time to discuss and debate it, ever mindful that there are millions of individuals and families - - most of whom have children - - who have come to depend on the benefits provided by the Affordable Care Act, and whose lives depend on it. I am asking all Prince Georgians to contact their Members of Congress and ask them to aggressively push back on this legislation. We must also contact Republican Senators and demonstrate to them that they will be held accountable for their actions if they support this bill.

I encourage everyone to join our fight for the fundamental right to access to quality and affordable healthcare. This issue is too important for us to ignore.”

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