Republicans ignore the working poor

Recently retired from managing the local free Health Clinic, I tracked a significant drop in patients, over the past 8 years, as they signed up for Affordable Health Care & connected with primary care providers. Washington state & regional leaders incentivized evolving health care, by committing resources for change.

Republicans promised to improve access & affordability of care. Instead the President is choosing not remove special interest “hobbles” to the Affordable Health Care Act by further stripping access to quality health care while providing token funding for pre-existing conditions & raising premiums for the elderly & the sick.

Agenda to improve their lives. It is becoming evident, however, Financially marginalized Americans put faith in the Republican that a majority of Republican leaders, advocate for the removal of funding from health care, while promoting profits for “Pharma,” Insurance Companies, Investors & the Politicians that they support.

“Trumpcare” will have Emergency rooms resume the undesirable role of providing expensive urgent care for under-insured & un-insured families. Free Clinics will also see an increase in patients, even as Republicans seek to defund Planned Parenthood; a key provider of free care.

Promoting Tax credits for the poor is a “shell game” too, since many Americans are unable to earn any more than minimum wage, which does not constitute a living wage for working families for a taxable income.

The Presidents actions communicate a lack of compassion for poor Americans. His behavior indicates representation for only the privileged few. Replacing the Affordable Health Care Act with a single-party supported “Trumpcare,” is a testament to the Republicans legacy, of advocacy for the wealthy, at the expense of the working poor. I urge community members to pay attention to our leaders actions; engage in the process; and commit to voting in new leadership for all Americans.

Patricia Hebert

Leavenworth