Constituents Deliver Clear Message to Barrett and James: Bring Back ACA Tax Credits and Make Healthcare Affordable
Constituents from Michigan's 7th and 10th Congressional Districts visited the offices of Congressmen Tom Barrett and John James on Thursday to deliver a clear message ahead of yesterday's vote: bring back the ACA premium tax credits for three years and make healthcare affordable for working families. The visits come as more than 70,000 people across both districts face premium increases of up to 114% following the expiration of the tax credits at the end of last year.
“I was hoping, actually, to retire this year. Now, I don’t think I can and that’s just being honest,” said MI-10 constituent and professor of sociology Kathy Gerus. “With the costs of health care doubling, for some people even tripling. This is unacceptable. And our representatives should be representing us, the constituents. That is what their job is. And to not vote to extend the ACA benefits is a very very poor decision.”
Last summer, Republicans in Congress, including Reps. John James and Tom Barrett voted in favor of the Republican Tax Law, which cut hundreds of billions from Medicaid, and is expected to leave 10.3 million fewer people enrolled by 2034, in favor of tax benefits for the ultra-wealthy. These cuts affect veterans who rely on Medicaid, families with chronic conditions, and people with disabilities. Combined with the expiration of ACA tax credits, Republicans have created a healthcare affordability crisis that constituents are demanding be addressed.
“I want to acknowledge that it is really hard to have to repeatedly tell very traumatizing stories about personal hardship and personal health to make sure people like Congressman Barrett and other members of Congress listen and ultimately act to protect health care, “ said Monique Stanton, President of Michigan League for Public Policy. “Michigan Families for Fair Care and constituents from this district delivered a clear and urgent message to Rep. Barrett, Congress must act, and he must be part of the solution so that people have access to [health] care.”
These office visits came at a crucial time as Congress prepared to vote on legislation bringing back the ACA tax credits yesterday. Neither congressman voted for the legislation, and have provided little in terms of an alternative to make health care more affordable. Families have continued to struggle amidst rising prices and slashed services. Michigan Families for Fair Care has held several events throughout these districts to support the community during these trying times and will continue to hold Representatives John James and Tom Barrett accountable to their working class constituents.
