PICO NETWORK
For Immediate Release: March 7, 2017
Contact: Jennifer R. Farmer, , 202.306.0136
Faith Leaders Condemn Proposed ACA Replacement, Call it a Betrayal of Faith-based Values
Leaders say proposalfurther marginalizes seniors, persons who are poor
WASHINGTON—PICO National Network, the largest network of congregations and faith-based groups in the country, spoke out against Republican leaders’ proposed replacement for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Noting the measure will give massive tax cuts to the wealthy, while taking affordable coverage from the most vulnerable people in the United States, the network of faith leaders called the ACA replacement a betrayal of faith-based values.
“Our beliefs tell us that we have a responsibilityto look after the poor, so it’s truly a shame to see those sitting in the highest offices on Capitol Hill claiming to be Christian, while turning their backs on people in need in their communities,” said Bishop Dwayne Royster, political director for PICO National Network.
“Congressional leaders cannot continue to marginalize the poor while telling the public they root their lives in faith, that they are followers of God. You don’t have to look beyond Proverbs 14:31to be reminded ‘Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.’ This proposed bill certainly oppresses the poor and only helps the rich.”
“As someone who was involved in the passage of the ACA, I can tell you that we fought very hard for coverage for people with pre-existing conditions,” said Gloria Cooper, a leader with the San Diego Organizing Project, a member of PICO National Network. “My cousin has cancer and prior to the Affordable Care Act, couldn’t get covered so I’m very passionate about this particular provision.”
“If the GOP plan is implemented,there will be a major hike in premiums for people with pre-existing conditions,forcing states to end coverage and health care services for seniors, people with disabilities, children and working families,” Royster said.
“Even worse, the poorest among us –those on Medicaid – will likely suffer the most. The proposed changes will cutMedicaid expansion, impacting some 70 million people covered by the program. These are the very people they should be working to protect first, instead the administration and this Congressare lining the pockets of the already wealthy. This new bill willfail to the elderly. It will fail our children, and it will fail all those who are poor and struggling.”
PICO National Network, the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States, includes 1,000 religious congregations in more than 150 cities and towns through its 45 local and state federations.
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