AFP Applauds Governor Walker for Rejecting a Health Insurance Exchange
Governor Stands up for Wisconsin Families and Health Care Freedom
Madison, Wisconsin–Today Americans for Prosperity (AFP) the nation’s largest and most effective advocate for economic freedom released the following statement congratulating our state leaders for rejecting the state-based health insurance exchanges.
“AFP applauds the actions of Governor Walker to reject creating a health insurance exchange in the state of Wisconsin” said Luke Hilgemann, AFP Wisconsin State Director. “Creating an exchange in Wisconsin would increase insurance premiums on consumers and taxes on hardworking families.”
Multiple governors have announced this week that they will not create an exchange. This list now includes Terry Branstad (IA), Mike Pence (IN), Dave Heineman (NE), Paul LePage (ME) Robert Bentley (AL), Bobby Jindal (LA), Sam Brownback (KS), Rick Perry (TX), Nikki Haley (SC), Nathan Deal (GA), Robert McDonnell (VA), Jay Nixon (MO) and others. AFP supports these Governors.
“Many governors joined together to send a strong message to Washington. AFP is proud of Governor Walker for taking a principled stand to reject these exchanges.” Hilgemann continued. “AFP commends Governor Walker for his leadership in protecting the state of Wisconsin.”
The federal government is offering unlimited grants to states to create an exchange between now and the end of 2014. All exchanges must be self-funding starting in 2015. Each governor must notify the federal government by Friday, November 16, 2012, of his or her decision whether to create a state-based health insurance exchange, defer to the federal government or partner on a hybrid-exchange.
“Federal funds are flowing freely to buy state compliance, but state budgets will take the hit in two short years. Governor Walker shows real leadership in rejecting these temporary funds.” said Nicole Kaeding, AFP state policy manager. “Creating an exchange puts state taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars every year. States should reject these bloated bureaucracies.”
For additional questions contact Luke Hilgemann at lhilgemann@afphq.org.
q Comments
blog comments powered by Disqus