SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As health care continues to be debated in Washington, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is calling on the Rauner Administration and Illinois’ congressional delegation to fight against changes that will reduce health care for people living in the state.

“There is a lot of concern right now about how the changes to healthcare in Washington are going to impact people in Illinois,” Manley said. “I have heard from constituents who are worried about losing their coverage due to pre-existing conditions or simply not being able to afford insurance. All of Illinois’ elected officials have a responsibility to speak out about such an important piece of legislation.”

Manley is sponsoring House Resolution 445 to urge President Trump and his allies to reconsider how the measure would cause people to lose their insurance and drive up health care costs. Under the current proposed legislation, Illinois could lose nearly $40 billion in Medicaid funding over the next 10 years and almost 24 million residents could lose access to affordable health care.

“Right now, it is estimated that Illinois could lose billions of dollars every year in federal funding with the legislation being proposed on the federal level,” Manley said. “That is money that Illinois can simply not afford to lose right now. I want to encourage the governor to work with our congressional delegation and the president to ensure that this legislation addresses the concerns of residents throughout Illinois, as well as limits the budgetary impact the legislation will have on the state.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.

CHICAGO – In reaction to the reckless health care proposal from extreme politicians in Washington, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is sponsoring legislation on the state level to oppose President Trump’s American Health Care Act and urge Congress to expand the federal Medicare program for people most in need.

“Due to the actions that our president is taking on repealing Obamacare, state action is required to protect those who will be directly affected by this dangerous plan,” said Harper. “If Trumpcare takes effect, it is estimated that 24 million people will lose their coverage and critical funding for medical services, like Medicaid, will be slashed. This is an attempt to keep poor and vulnerable people sick while artificially inflating the profits of big insurance companies.”

Harper is sponsoring House Resolution 445, which states the Illinois House of Representatives’ opposition to President Trump’s health care plan. Harper believes that people who rely on affordable health coverage for pre-existing conditions, seniors, mothers and their children should not be forced to remain sick and prioritized after insurance companies, whose single goal is increased profits.

“This federal action is a tragedy. You cannot help people by keeping them perpetually sick and dependent on subpar health care plans, if they can even access that,” Harper said. “Government should not be in the business of turning profits and making sure the rich and powerful stay at the top dictating all the important decisions. Health care is a right for everyone, not a profit tool to enrich others.”