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U.S. Rep. Kind: Walker put politics first
11/16/2012
Contact: Leah Hunter
Phone: 202-225-5506
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) today expressed disappointment following Governor Walker’s decision to allow the federal government, instead of the State of Wisconsin, to operate Wisconsin’s health insurance exchange.
“Governor Walker put partisan politics before people today. Instead of allowing Wisconsin to run its own health insurance exchange, make key health care decisions for Wisconsinites, and better meet the needs of families and businesses here at home, Governor Walker punted that responsibility to Washington.
“Health insurance exchanges are based on the SHOP Act, legislation I authored, and have always had bipartisan support. They allow small businesses, family farmers and individuals to choose amongst competing health care plans which are coupled with tax credits to make them affordable. What’s not to like?
“I’m disappointed in Governor Walker’s decision and hope that we can find a way to rise above the politics, work together, and provide access to quality, affordable coverage for the people of Wisconsin.”
Earlier this week, Kind joined Senator Herb Kohl, Senator-elect Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore and U.S. Rep-elect Mark Pocan in sending a letter to Governor Walker asking him to move forward in implementing Wisconsin’s state-based health insurance exchange.