In recent months, a handful of Republican governors have softened their stances on Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Showing a bit of financial savvy and (dare I say) compassion for the millions of poor Americans who would be covered by this, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and others have decided to take the feds' funds and allow expanded healthcare coverage for their citizens who can't afford insurance.
Unfotrunately for the people who would benefit from Medicaid expansion, Big Brother Brothers don't like it when their puppets… er… politicians brake ranks with the 1%. Americans for Prosperity– the Koch Brothers' astroturf group– is organizing the citizenry to fight against their own self interests to defeat Medicaid expansion.
This battle is coming to Tucson on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Americans for Prosperity has organized a public forum on Medicaid expansion at The Loft Cinema, 6:30-8:30 p.m. After a showing of "Sick and Sicker", an anti-Obamacare propaganda film, there will be a panel, which is heavily packed with Tea Party types– like former State Senator and perpetual blow hard Frank Antenori, State Representative Ethan Orr, and Tom Jenney, Arizona Director for Americans for Prosperity. The sole Democrat on the panel is State Senator Steve Farley. (Go, Steve!)
If you believe that healthcare is a human right and if you believe that "We the People" should take care of each other (and not fight over crumbs left by the 1%), come testify at this forum. This is your chance to tell your story. If you support Medicaid expansion in Arizona, you can also go to this link on the AHCCCS website add your name as a supporter. Comments and healthcare stories can be sent to Share@azahcccs.gov.
Flyer and details about Americans for Prosperity's efforts in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Florida after the jump.
From Crooks and Liars…
AFP's [Americans for Prosperity] efforts are intended to deny health care to 542,000 uninsured and poor residents of Pennsylvania so billionaires can buy another bauble for their wife. It's disgusting to see these people actually organize their astroturf in order to deny people the right to have access to affordable health care.
In Florida, their efforts were rewarded Monday with a key House subcommittee voting to block Governor Rick Scott's decision to expand Medicaid into that state. The Florida legislature has a Republican supermajority, so the only question to be answered is whether or not Rick Scott will acquiesce to their cruelty or veto it.
I think we all know the answer to that. They've given him the political cover he needs with that bill, just as the Pennsylvania legislature will do for Governor Tom Corbett. A few dying residents won't matter to these people, because the only pity they have in their hearts is for the billionaires.
|
And from the Democrats…
|
We need a show of strength from fellow Democrats at this meeting to counter the Republicans who oppose reasonable, common-sense healthcare for the poor and disadvantaged.
Medicaid Forum Discussion of Governor Brewer's idea to expand Medicaid in the state of Arizona The Loft Cinema 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. AZ State Senator Steve Farley, LD9 |
|
|