Hello — This message is a little longer than what I usually write, but it’s important, and I hope you will take a few moments to read it.
Earlier this week, Senator Ron Johnson shared in an interview that if Republicans reclaim control of Congress and the White House in the upcoming elections, he wants the party to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
This statement was more than just disappointing, it was heart wrenching. And to me, it was incredibly personal.
As you may know, I spent several months in the hospital when I was a child. When I got better, my grandparents who raised me couldn’t find an insurance policy that would cover me. Not any plan. Not at any price. All because I was a child who had been labeled with those words: “pre-existing condition.”
I first got into public service because I saw my grandparents stay up nights, worried sick that I would fall ill again and they wouldn't be able to afford my care. No one should ever have to go through that — but for millions of working families, I’m sure my story sounds all too familiar.
Like 133 million Americans, I know what it's like to have the label "pre-existing condition" attached to my care — and before the Affordable Care Act was passed, many of us could be denied coverage.
Today, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against someone based on their pre-existing condition. I championed that health care reform and fought to allow young people to stay on their parents’ insurance plans up to age 26. These policy changes have led to millions more Americans getting the health insurance they need.
So, you can imagine my frustration whenever Republicans, like Ron Johnson, threaten to repeal critical policies like the ACA and its protections for folks with pre-existing conditions. They’ve spent years playing politics with people’s lives — and it’s clear they’re not finished yet.
Well, I won’t back down, folks. No family should have to lay awake at night wondering if the health care they have today will be there tomorrow. I’ll never stop fighting to protect your health care from those who want to take it away.
We must protect the Affordable Care Act from right-wing politicians who want to dismantle it, and elect more leaders who will fight to ensure every American has access to quality, affordable health care — regardless of whether or not they have a pre-existing condition. If you agree, sign your name alongside mine today:
I am not going to let anyone make me forget where I came from or why I got into public service in the first place. My own personal experience has always inspired my work to do everything I can to make sure that every American has quality, affordable health care coverage, and stand up against those who want to take it away.
Thank you for reading, and thanks for your support on this.
— Tammy
