My father’s story was an American story.

He grew up the son of a sheepherder — and, when my grandfather needed the family truck, my Dad would hitch rides into Santa Fe while attending high school there.

As a union ironworker at Los Alamos National Labs, fair wages helped punch his ticket to the middle class. He got involved with his local union, advocated for his fellow workers, and eventually rose to become a leader in New Mexico politics.

But then he got sick — really sick. During his days as an ironworker, he was exposed to dangerous chemicals like beryllium and asbestos, without even the protection of a face mask. Decades later, that exposure likely gave him the incurable lung cancer that claimed his life, even though he had never smoked a day in his life.

My dad was lucky to have health care in his final days. But for millions of Americans, this story doesn’t just end with a loved one’s passing — it ends with mountains of medical debt, or worse, no treatment at all.

Before the Affordable Care Act was passed exactly 11 years ago today, many folks could be denied coverage. That’s why I voted in favor of the law back in 2009 — and why I have fought to defend it from Republican repeal efforts and to expand access to affordable health care for New Mexicans.

No matter what they say, Republicans have never had a plan to replace the ACA without gutting protections for people with pre-existing conditions — like diabetes, cancer, and even COVID-19. I’ve had enough of their dangerous attempts to take away our health care.

Health care should be a right for all, not a privilege for a few. That’s why I’m working hard to make sure we protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, especially during this crisis. If you’re with me, sign my petition today:

I’ve been fighting for stronger workplace protections and to create a health care system the American people deserve. Together, we’ve won some important fights — like passing the Affordable Care Act and stopping Donald Trump from undermining protections for people with pre-existing conditions. But we still have a long road ahead of us.

Thank you, as always, for taking action.

— Ben Ray