Mason Responds to Veto, Pledges to Continue Fight to Protect Health Care for Illinois Residents

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s veto of legislation aiming to protect health care coverage for all Illinois residents, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, issued the following statement:

“One of my top priorities as a legislator is addressing the rising cost of healthcare and the barriers that prevent many families in our community from getting the care they need. Senate Bill 2026 would have helped to protect every Illinoisan’s right to access to quality, affordable health care, regardless of what extreme politicians in Washington do.

“It is critical that we protect middle-class families and seniors from health insurance plans that cover less for a higher cost. This legislation would prevent the State of Illinois from applying for federal waivers that undermine the Affordable Care Act, potentially stripping away protections for pre-existing conditions and allowing insurance companies to profit off of low-coverage policies that put our families’ health at risk.

“As a single mom who has struggled to make ends meet, I know all too well the undue financial burden healthcare can be on a family. I’m disappointed in the governor’s decision to veto this bipartisan legislation, but am more motivated than ever to work to keep Illinois families healthy.”