Editor’s Note: This article is republished with permission from the District 19 Democrats in Boise.
Are you confused about the federal government shutdown?
Here are some key points to remember:
The Problem:
If Republicans let ACA premium tax credits expire, over 22 million families will see their health insurance premiums double. Families already cannot afford the basics in Trump’s economy. Paying hundreds or thousands more per month for healthcare could be devastating.
Is the Shutdown the Democrats’ Fault?
Republicans control the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives—it’s on them to fund the government. However, Republicans won’t even show up for work! They have been refusing to negotiate for weeks to prevent Americans’ health insurance from becoming even more unaffordable. Democrats are ready to reopen the government when Republicans are willing to come to the table, but Republicans are not there.
What are Democrats Doing?
Democrats are fighting to save Americans’ healthcare. Democrats have been clear: cancel the cuts, lower costs, and save health care. What does this mean? It could either mean that families’ budgets will be even more pinched, or they will be forced to go without health insurance. Neither option is acceptable.
What are the Republicans Saying?
While Democrats are standing up for issues that affect most Americans, Republicans are busy lying about undocumented immigrants. This desperate, last-ditch attack is repeating the lie that Democrats are “shutting down the government to give health care to illegals.” Fact check: Federal law already prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving comprehensive federal coverage—the Democrats’ proposal does not change that.
The Bottom Line:
This is yet another example of Republicans choosing billionaires over middle-class families. The cost of the Big Ugly Bill’s billionaire tax breaks is ten times more expensive than extending the ACA credits.
The Crisis is Now, and Democrats are ready to stand up and fight.
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