For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Nikko Mendoza | (617) 990-2487 | nikko.mendoza@1199.org

Boston, MA (May 4, 2017) – The following is a statement from Tyrék D. Lee Sr., Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, in response to the House’s vote to pass the American HealthCare Act:

“With one reckless vote, Congressional Republicans have chosen to eliminate vital healthcare coverage for millions of hardworking Americans so that they can give a massive tax cut to the very wealthiest in our country.

This bill will have catastrophic consequences for Massachusetts – threatening coverage for up to half a million of our most vulnerable residents, costing the state billions of dollars, and jeopardizing the Commonwealth’s largest industry and one of its most important economic drivers. It will also weaken insurance protections, threaten mental health and addition recovery services and increase out-of-pocket expenses.

Almost universally opposed by healthcare providers, workers and advocates across America, this bill stands to undo the Commonwealth’s pioneering efforts on universal healthcare – efforts that have produced massive health and economic gains for our state and given us the lowest uninsured rate in the nation. At the same time, the bill guts Medicaid and ends this essential program as we know it, ensuring that millions of seniors, children and families across the country will have more difficultly accessing lifesaving care.

As healthcare workers, we have been and will continue to be on the front lines of the fight back against the assault on affordable healthcare. We hope the Senate will defeat this cruel, reckless and irresponsible bill.”

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Representing more than 56,000 healthcare workers throughout Massachusetts and over 400,000 workers across the East Coast, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers Eastis the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. Our mission is to achieve affordable, high quality healthcare for all. 1199SEIU is part of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union.