Jacob Ogles
A group of Florida elected officials lambasted Attorney General Ashley Moody for efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act mid-pandemic.
Democrat Joe Biden’s Presidential campaign released a joint statement from 11 Florida Congress members and four state lawmakers.
“With more than a million Floridians having filed unemployment claims since mid-March and a virus that continues to wreak havoc on our state, it is critical that we make it a priority to ensure Floridians have access to health care. To get back on track, it will require us as legislators and leaders to come together and focus on real solutions to the very real public health concerns that this virus continues to pose,” the statement reads.
“Yet, as we fight COVID-19, the Trump administration and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody are fighting to repeal the Affordable Care Act in our courts, putting the health coverage of millions of Americans in jeopardy. It is not just unconscionable but also counterproductive to fight the Affordable Care Act — and the life saving protections it provides — as we fight a global pandemic. Now is not the time to be playing political games. Lives are on the line.”
The elected officials issuing the statement include U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist, Val Demings, Ted Deutch, Lois Frankel, Alcee Hastings, Al Lawson, Stephanie Murphy, Donna Shalala, Darren Soto, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Frederica Wilson. Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson, Sens. José Rodríguez and Vic Torres and Rep. Shevrin Jones also joined.
Some of the lawmakers are participating a series of video press conferences on the subject Wednesday.
The ruckus about the legal case comes the same day legal briefs are due in the California v. Texas case before the high court.
The message criticizes Florida’s top legal officer for siding with President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn former President Barack Obama’s signature health care reform.
“We stand with Joe Biden, and Democrats nationwide, who are making their voices heard and fighting to protect our health care. As President, Joe Biden would build and expand upon the landmark Affordable Care Act and ensure that we treat health care as a right, not a privilege,” the statement continues.
“It was with Joe Biden’s leadership more than a decade ago that the Affordable Care Act was passed. It was no easy task, but Joe got it done because he has the experience, leadership, and heart of a public servant needed in the fight for working families. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more than 1.5 million Floridians can no longer be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition and more than 1.2 million have gained insurance. This pandemic could not make it more clear: our task ahead must be to build on the Affordable Care Act, not tear it down.”
But the statement said the ultimate defense of the Affordable Care Act will need to come in November, when Biden challenges Trump for the Presidency for the next four years.
“Floridians deserve a President who won’t play politics with their health. That is why we support Joe Biden and call on both President Trump and Attorney General Moody to drop their support of this lawsuit and protect Floridians’ access to health care. The stakes are too high.”
One comment
Dan
May 6, 2020 at 4:36 pm
When a law like the unAffordable Care Act is passed, we rely on our state attorney to file suite against it in court. The Supreme Court will determine if their wealth redistribution plan is Constitutional or just another illegal Socialist pipe dream. Of coarse the State’s leading Socialists will propagandize their position but that in itself will not make it Constitutional… Don’t worry, upon the court ruling you’ll be able to keep your policy and you can keep your doctor but you may have to pay for your own health care.
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