Governors across the country oppose Senate Republicans’ latest efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Citing concerns ranging from gutting Medicaid, lack of transparency, stripping health care away from millions, passing costs onto states, and severe funding cuts, governors have serious concerns about the potential impact of Graham-Cassidy on their states and constituents:
Bipartisan Group of Governors:
John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Brian Sandoval (R-NV), John Bel Edwards (D-LA), John Kasich (R-OH), Bill Walker (I-AK), Charles Baker (R-MA), Phil Scott (R-VT), Steve Bullock (D-MT), Tom Wolf (D-PA), Terence McAuliffe (D-VA):
“We ask you not to consider the Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson amendment and renew support for bipartisan efforts to make health care more available and affordable for all Americans. Only open, bipartisan approaches can achieve true, lasting reforms.” [9/19/17]
Governor John Kasich (R-OH): “Somehow, they keep missing the point. A partisan push, without even one single committee hearing, isn't how to move [forward] on health care. Graham/Cassidy/Heller/Johnson eliminates the guardrails that protect some of the most vulnerable among us.” [9/18/17]
Governor John Bel Edwards (D-LA): “I cannot support the Graham-Cassidy Amendment. My primary objection relates to the elimination of the Medicaid expansion program in 2020. Right now, more than 430,000 working poor people in Louisiana have access to health insurance because we chose to bring our federal tax dollars back home. We’re saving lives, money, and investing in our people to ensure they are able to receive quality healthcare. Importantly, Louisiana’s uninsured rate has dropped to nearly 10 percent. Undoing this progress would negatively impact our citizens and our economy.” [9/19/17]
Governor Bill Walker (I-AK): “Given Alaska’s current fiscal challenges, any proposal to shift federal costs to the states would likely result in drastic cuts to our Medicaid program.” [9/19/17]
Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD): “[Graham-Cassidy would] cost our state over $2 billion annually while directly jeopardizing the health care of our citizens.” [9/19/17]
Governor Chris Sununu (R-NH): “Unfortunately, under this plan, New Hampshire could possibly lose over a $1 billion in Medicaid funding between 2020-2026 … As such, I cannot support this plan as it is currently drafted. It is my hope that Congress will continue to improve this plan to earn New Hampshire's support. If given the opportunity.” [9/18/17]