AFT’s Weingarten on Secretary Price’s Confirmation

WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Senate’s confirmation of Rep. Tom Price as secretary of health and human services:  

“Today, President Trump—enabled by his Republican allies in the Senate—failed the American public, confirming someone for HHS secretary who is intent on robbing millions of Americans of the healthcare coverage they need and deserve.

“AFT nurses and healthcare professionals know that for them to deliver high-quality care to patients and communities on a daily basis, their patients need access to programs like the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid. AFT teachers, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel know that students learn better when they have access to healthcare so they can stay healthy. Yet, at every turn, Rep. Price has fought against the policies that have helped provide millions of Americans with healthcare coverage.

“While the ACA needs some adjustments, it has saved lives and created healthier communities. Millions of Americans rely on the Affordable Care Act for lifesaving coverage—people with pre-existing conditions who were once denied insurance, families that now have access to preventive care, adolescents who can remain on their parents’ insurance, and families and businesses that were once priced out of the insurance marketplace.

“President Trump is intent on giving the wealthy a tax cut, a choice that will result in 30 million Americans losing their access to healthcare through the ACA, and in Secretary Price, Trump has found his operative. Access to affordable healthcare is key to the American dream and to a thriving middle class. We intend to hold both the president and the new HHS secretary accountable for their actions, which will affect millions of working families’ ability to achieve that dream.”