WASHINGTON, DC, July 25, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After the US Senate voted today to move forward on debating a health bill whose contents are largely unknown to, and unvetted by, the Senate itself, much less local and state-level officials and the people who will be most affected, US Conference of Mayors President Mitch Landrieu, Mayor of New Orleans, issued the following statement on behalf of the bipartisan organization:
“The path the Senate has chosen to take today does not live up to what President Trump promised, which was to provide Americans with better healthcare for less money,” said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, President of the US Conference of Mayors. “The bills that have been discussed in the House and Senate all lead to the same result: millions of Americans losing their health insurance. We are calling on the Senate to partner with mayors and governors from both parties to craft a bipartisan bill that would stabilize unsteady insurance markets, lower premiums, protect seniors and give cities and towns in red and blue states alike the tools we need. America cannot be strong if she is not healthy. Mayors are ready to get to work to ensure that Americans have access to affordable, high quality healthcare.”
Mayor Landrieu’s sentiment echoes statements that have been issued by the Conference and its Republican and Democratic members over the past several months. As you report, please note a selection of statements by mayors of both parties, including those hailing from states whose Senators are crucial to the content of, success or failure of any legislation emerging from the Senate. These are listed below:
“The citizens in our city, our region and our state are living a nightmare that was avoidable,” Mayor Steve Williams said. “Profits have been pocketed while our community has been left with the fallout and stigma of the opioid epidemic. Gutting Medicaid for the most vulnerable – those with preexisting conditions – spells economic disaster for a state like ours that is having a budget challenge. Choosing not to be a full participating partner in fighting the opioid pandemic is political malpractice,” said Mayor Steve Williams of Huntington, West Virginia.
“I’m worried about Juneau’s ability to come up with a fiscal plan. I’m worried about Washington’s ability to come up with a solution on health care. Those are things that have more impact on people here. As Congress grapples with the issue, they need to remember the things that make America truly a great place. The elimination of some of the support that exists would be catastrophic for our state. In a small state like Alaska, these things are not abstract, they’re personal. It is intensely personal,” said Mayor Ethan Berkowitz of Anchorage, Alaska.
“We have fought too hard to make Denver a healthy city. The Affordable Care Act helped cut the number of uninsured Denver residents nearly in half. Stripping that security from seniors, people living with disabilities and children to give more to those who already have the most is not just bad policy, it’s down-right inhumane. Bravo to our great Governor, John Hickenlooper, for stepping up and carrying the banner to protect our healthcare,” said Mayor Hancock of Denver, Colorado.
“In 2017 alone, 197,000 Utahans have enrolled in coverage through the ACA. As Mayor of the Capital City, and the most diverse city in the state, I’m greatly concerned for the life and death consequences our residents could face as a result of this vote. Affordable and comprehensive health care should be the right of every American. Healthcare coverage stabilizes communities, and creates equity and opportunity. Unfortunately, today’s vote demonstrates that too many of our Washington leaders are more concerned with political posturing than thoughtful and well-crafted ways to improve the ACA,” said Mayor Biskupski of Salt Lake City, Utah.
“Nevadans are obviously incredibly concerned since Senator Dean Heller has been at the forefront of this. We know that the epidemic here with the opioid addiction is huge and mental health is huge,” Schieve said. “Quite frankly, mayors are left holding the bag. It’s really up to us to come together and have this strong voice,” said Mayor Schieve of Reno, Nevada.
“This is extremely troubling because that means 32 million people will now rely on local governments and local hospitals to cover their medical costs. We should not reform healthcare by shifting the burden to local taxpayers,” said Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona.
"This bill is an all-out assault on the people of Arizona. Why would any Arizona leader who loves this state want to do this kind of damage to the lives of our most vulnerable residents? Why would any Arizona leader who loves this state want to do this kind of damage to our Arizona economy," said Mayor Greg Stanton of Phoenix, Arizona.
“Maine is very rural. 22% of this state relies on Medicare. 596,000 Mainers, which is about half the state, have pre-existing conditions. This state will be devastated from an economic and from a healthcare vantage point by completely repealing the Affordable Care Act. It’s a nonstarter – and I commend Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King for their independent leadership on this important issue,” said “Maine is not able to afford this kind of devastation, and to avoid destructive cuts, we need to work together on fixes,” said Mayor Joe Baldacci of Bangor, Maine.
“220,000 people in Ohio receive treatment between mental health and addiction services just from the Affordable Care Act. To cut this and to cut Medicaid expansion would be devastating. We’re here to work with the Senate to make sure we lower costs and increase quality. Those are the two drivers are for us as Mayors. I’ve been working closely with Senator Portman who has been open and receptive to my suggestions – and will continue to do so. I hope we can all do the same in a structured way,” said Mayor Nan Whaley of Dayton, Ohio.
“The State of Nevada took the opportunity presented by the ACA to expand Medicaid coverage for 210,000 eligible uninsured Nevadans. Our State's uninsured rate dropped from 23%before the ACA to 12% afterward. This repeal threatens that. Collaboration between the States, governors, mayors and federal lawmakers is an important part of the solution. Together we can find a path to insuring thousands in our community maintain their healthcare coverage and improve their lives,” said Mayor Carolyn Goodman of Reno, Nevada.
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About The United States Conference of Mayors -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.
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