Three Weeks And 5,800-Plus Miles From Las Vegas To Atlanta With Nearly Two Dozen Stops in Between
Over the last three weeks, Protect Our Care’s 5,800-mile, 20-event, 12-state nationwide “Health Care Emergency” Tour traveled to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, Santa Fe, Pueblo, Aurora, St. Paul, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Lansing, Livonia, Bethlehem, Bangor, Portland, Concord, Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville, Atlanta and Harrisburg. During each stop, elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers joined Protect Our Care to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Americans’ health care and highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act.
LAS VEGAS, NV:
August 5, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (NV-01) and Susie Lee (NV-03), cancer survivors and health care advocates Laura Packard and Joe Merlino, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada executive director Laura Martin, and representatives from the Offices of Congressman Steve Horsford (NV-04) and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto for a press conference at the SEIU Nevada Local 1107 office.
U.S. Representative Dina Titus: “Today I attended the nationwide kickoff of the @ProtectOurCare bus tour to bring awareness to Republicans’ continued attacks on our healthcare system. That’s why I voted to let the House step in to protect the Affordable Care Act and the millions who depend on it. #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. Titus Twitter, 8/5/19]
U.S. Representative Susie Lee: “Proud to help kick off the #HealthCareEmergency Bus Tour with @ProtectOurCare! I’ve made it clear that I will fight any and every effort that threatens Nevadans’ access to quality and affordable healthcare. Great to see @lpackard back in NV!” [Rep. Lee Twitter, 8/8/19]
Las Vegas Review Journal: Democrats launch bus tour to highlight Affordable Care Act lawsuit
Watch the event here.
PHOENIX, AZ:
August 6, 2019 — Outside the Arizona State Capitol Building, Protect Our Care hosted a press conference with State House Democratic Leader Charlene Fernandez, ER physician and cancer research advocate Dr. Hiral Tipirneni, and health care advocate Laura Packard.
Leader Charlene Fernandez: “Make no mistake, while Democrats debate Medicare for All, Republicans continue to attack our current healthcare by working on a full repeal of Obamacare through the courts. We need to fight to #ProtectOurCare.” [Leader Fernandez Twitter, 8/6/19]
Dr. Hiral Tipirneni: “A big thanks to @ProtectOurCare for bringing their #HealthCareEmergency tour to Phoenix and highlighting this critical issue that we face. The health and well-being of our families should never be a partisan issue. #PeopleOverPolitics #AZ06.” [Dr. Tipirneni Twitter, 8/6/19]
KTAR: Report on Health Care Emergency Event in Phoenix
Watch the event here.
TUCSON, AZ:
August 7, 2019 — The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Tucson and held a press conference outside Planned Parenthood with Tucson PPFA executive director Genesis Cabillas, emergency medical physician Dr. Larry DeLuca, and health care advocates Alicia Held and Laura Packard.
U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick released a statement on the Tour stopping in Arizona’s 2nd congressional district: “After traveling the district, it’s clear that rising health care costs is a top concern for Arizona families; they want proactive solutions to fixing our health care system. As you may know, I am not afraid of taking a bold stance on health care. In 2009, I cast my proudest vote in support of the Affordable Care Act, which secured access for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. As the Trump administration continues to try and dismantle ACA protections and make health care coverage a wealthy privilege, my democratic colleagues are debating ways and passing legislation to make it more affordable. Southern Arizonans are all too familiar with the fear of losing their health care. I believe I’m fighting here today because our community knows how important it is to elect a healthcare leader. And my actions and votes prove that you can count on me to protect your care.”
KVOA: “Health care advocates, residents and those fighting illnesses met this morning for the “Protect Our Care AZ Health Care Emergency” conference. Two women fighting illnesses spoke on the importance of the affordable care act.” [KVOA Twitter, 8/7/19]
Watch the event here.
SANTA FE, NM:
August 8, 2019 — Outside the New Mexico State Capitol building on Santa Fe, Protect Our Care was joined by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Attorney General Hector Balderas, and health care advocates Laura Packard and Lan Sena for a press conference.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham: New Mexico has fought back against efforts to dismantle the ACA & take away health care from millions: Protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions: Covering all essential benefits. Prohibiting junk health plans. Protecting New Mexicans from surprise billing.” [Gov. Lujan Grisham, 8/8/19]
Watch the event here.
PUEBLO, CO:
August 9, 2019 — Protect Our Care and health care advocate Laura Packard met with Hilary Glasgow, President of the Southern Colorado Labor Council, outside Senator Cory Gardner’s office in Pueblo to deliver a copy of the Shaheen Resolution, calling on him to denounce the Trump-Texas lawsuit and defend the ACA. The building’s management tried to keep Laura and members of the press from going up to Gardner’s office, and once Protect Our Care and the press arrived, Gardner’s district director showed us the door, forcefully asking us to leave.
The Pueblo Chieftain: Health advocacy group backs Affordable Care Act in Pueblo
Watch the event here.
AURORA, CO:
August 9, 2019 — In Aurora, Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Jason Crow (CO-06), State Rep. Dominique Jackson, and health care advocate Laura Packard for a press conference at the local Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library.
U.S. Representative Jason Crow: “Coloradans don’t want us to play politics with their health care. Yet, the Administration’s Texas v. US lawsuit could hurt over 2 million Coloradans with pre-existing conditions. That’s unacceptable. I’ll keep working in Congress to fight against these attacks and #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. Crow Twitter, 8/11/19]
Watch the event here and here.
ST. PAUL, MN:
August 12, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (MN-04), Attorney General Keith Ellison, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States Sarah Stoesz, and health care advocates Laura Packard, Delores Flynn and Rachel Zemmer for a press conference outside the Minnesota AFL-CIO headquarters.
U.S. Representative Betty McCollum: “In the face of nonstop attacks on our health care from this administration & Republicans in Congress, my message is simple: I’m going to stand with you and keep fighting #ForThePeople. We must #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. McCollum Twitter, 8/13/19]
Attorney General Keith Ellison: “I defend the ACA for ppl w preexisting conditions; who got covered for the first time; who have no more lifetime caps; whose loved ones would die without it. I defended it in Congress & I’m defending it as AG. But the best defense is you-stand up, be heard.” [AG Ellison Twitter, 8/12/19]
WCCO: Dem Leaders Speak At ‘Protect Our Care’ Event
Watch the event here.
DES MOINES, IA:
August 12 2019 — Outside the Iowa State Capitol building, Protect Our Care hosted a press conference with State Representative John Forbes, Iowa Executive Director of Planned Parenthood North Central States Erin Davison-Rippey, and health care advocated Laura Packard.
Iowa Starting Line: “The ACA Saved My Life.” Ernst Called Out On Health Care Votes
Watch the event here
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA:
August 13, 2019 — The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Cedar Rapids for a press conference outside Senator Grassley and Senator Ernst’s offices featuring health care advocates Cindy Garlock, Laura Packard, Robin Stone and Laura Wright.
Watch the event here.
LANSING, MI:
August 14, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined outside the Michigan State Capitol for a press conference with State Sen. Curtis Hertel, State Rep. Sarah Anthony, State Rep. Julie Brixie, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical Lansing Dr. Farhan Bhatti, and health care advocates Tori Saylor and Laura Packard.
WLNS: A fight to protect health care comes to mid-Michigan
WILX: Bus makes stop in Lansing to rally about health care
Watch the event here.
LIVONIA, MI:
August 14, 2019 — U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11), State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, IHA CEO Dr. Mark LePage, and health care advocates Laura Packard and Andrea P. joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside St. Mary Mercy Hospital.
U.S. Representative Haley Stevens: “This afternoon I went to Livonia to rally with #ProtectOurCare! We must protect the Affordable Care Act, lower healthcare costs for Americans, and protect people with pre existing conditions.” [Rep. Stevens Twitter, 8/14/19]
State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky: “Today I spoke with @HaleyLive at a press conference with @ProtectOurCare. If the Texas v. United States lawsuit finds the ACA to be unconstitutional, the effects will be disastrous in MI. Health care is a human right, and these attacks on it must end.” [State Rep. Pohutsky Twitter, 8/14/19]
Watch the event here.
BETHLEHEM, PA:
August 16, 2019 — U.S Representative Susan Wild (PA-07), State Rep. Peter Schweyer, Alvaro Castillo of PA Health Access Network and health care advocates Laura Packard and Mitch Lenett joined Protect Our Care for a press conference in historic Payrow Plaza.
U.S. Representative Susan Wild: “I’m holding a press conference w/ @ProtectOurCare where we’re releasing critical info about the skyrocketing cost of diabetes medication in #PA07. Tune into https://facebook.com/ProtectOurCare/ to learn more and hear what we’re going to do about it. #HealthcareEmergency” [Rep. Wild Twitter, 8/16/19]
Lehigh Valley Live: ‘Medicine is just too damn expensive’: Rep. Susan Wild warns of a health care emergency
Watch the event here.
BANGOR, ME:
August 19, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined by State Rep. Joe Perry, State Rep. Barbara Cardone, State Sen. David Miramant, Mabel Wadsworth Center executive director Andrea Irwin, and National Alliance on Mental Illness clinical director Greg Marley for a press conference at the Bangor Public Library.
WFVX Bangor: Lawmakers argue against Affordable Care Act lawsuit at Protect Our Care news conference
Watch the event here
PORTLAND, ME:
August 19, 2019 — At Portland City Hall, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Maine House Speaker Sarah Gideon, State Rep. Thom Harnett, State Sen. Catherine Breen, Nicole Clegg of Planned Parenthood New England and Jenna Mehnert of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Portland Press Herald: Democratic candidate Gideon attacks Sen. Collins over tax vote, ACA
Maine Beacon: Health care advocates blast Collins for vote to undermine Affordable Care Act
Watch the event here
CONCORD, NH:
August 20, 2019 — The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Concord for a press conference outside the New Hampshire State House with U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), Dr. Randy Hayes of the Kent Street Coalition, Dr. Nick Perencevich, and health care advocates Carrie Durran, Pepper Nappo and Audrey Gerkin.
InDepthNH: Kuster, Advocates Want NH To Defend Affordable Care Act in Court
Watch the event here
RALEIGH, NC:
August 21, 2019 — State Sen. Floyd McKissick, State Sen. Terry Van Duyn, MomsRising Health Care Director Felicia Burnett, NC Justice Center Health Advocacy Project Director Nicole Dozier, and health care advocate Leslie Boyd joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside the federal courthouse in Raleigh.
State Sen. Floyd McKissick: “Today, I participated in a press conference sponsored by a group known as “Protect Our Care” which is travelling across our country to inform people of the potentially devastating impacts of a case known as ‘Texas Vs United States.; The primary goal of this case is to legally sabotage the Affordable Care Act. The Trump Administration and its allies are supporting this case because they are seeking to do, through the court system, what they failed to accomplish through the legislative process, which is to repeal the Affordable Care Act. If this case is successful, over 20 million Americans will lose coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act, and approximately 503,000 people will lose coverage here in NC. This will lead to a 43% increase in the uninsured rate in our state. In addition, 130 million people with preexisting conditions will potentially lose coverage in America and approximately 3.9 million people with preexisting conditions could lose coverage right here in NC. [State Sen. McKissick Facebook, 8/21/19]
State Sen. Terry Van Duyn: “As a former ACA Navigator, I saw how people reacted to getting health insurance for the first time. Not only did it mean the promise of getting healthy, it also meant they could work more and provide better lives for themselves and their families. We must continue the fight to protect the Affordable Care Act and ensure that every American can afford their health care.” [State Sen. Van Duyn Facebook, 8/21/19]
NC Policy Watch: Lawmakers, citizens speak out against Affordable Care Act lawsuit
Watch the event here
CHARLOTTE, NC:
August 22, 2019 — In Charlotte, Protect Our Care was joined by Mecklenburg County Commissioner at-large Pat Cotham, President of Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP Corine Mack, State Rep. Carla Cunningham, Team TruBlue executive director Charles Robinson, and health care advocates Stacy Staggs and Rochelle Willensky for a press conference outside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.
Commissioner Pat Cotham: “Looking forward to press conference on expanding the #AffordableCareAct @CharlotteNAACP1@ncnaacp #RightOfHealthCare @ProtectNCCare @ProtectOurCare.” [Commissioner Cotham Twitter, 8/22/19]
State Rep. Carla Cunningham: “Protect Our Care Press Conference. The ACA is what we have. Let’s improve it and stop attempting to dismantle it. We must make healthcare coverage work for all of us.” [State Rep. Cunningham Twitter, 8/22/19]
Watch the event here
ASHEVILLE, NC:
August 22, 2019 — Care Force One made its way to Asheville for a press conference outside City Hall with Mayor Esther Manheimer and health care advocates Leslie Boyd and Mallorie Hatcher.
WLOS: ‘Protect Our Care’ bus tour stops in Asheville
Watch the event here
ATLANTA, GA:
August 23, 2019 — Inside the Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast Staci Fox, and health care advocates Anne Shoup and Rebecca Galanti.
U.S. Representative Lucy McBath: “So glad to join @ProtectOurCare on the final stop of the #HealthCareEmergency tour. We will never stop the fight to protect the health of our communities & provide comprehensive care for all Americans.” [Rep. McBath Twitter, 8/23/19]
WSB-TV: Congresswoman Lucy McBath Joins Protect Our Care’s Emergency Health Care Tour
Watch the event here
HARRISBURG, PA:
August 28, 2019 — At the Pennsylvania State Capitol Rotunda, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Governor Tom Wolf, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, President of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania Matt Yarnell and health care advocates Cindy and Matthew Jennings joined Protect Our Care for a press conference.
Governor Tom Wolf: “With the federal government again threatening the #ACA, I’m standing with @ProtectOurCare and @SenBobCasey to defend health care for all. From expanding Medicaid to authorizing a state-based marketplace, I’ve taken action to #ProtectOurCare and will continue to do so.” [Gov. Wolf Twitter, 8/28/19]
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ’We cannot afford to lose the Affordable Care Act’: Wolf, Casey lead health care rally
WGAL: Governor, senator push back against lawsuit to overturn Affordable Care Act
WGAL: NBC Harrisburg on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour
Erie News Now: Advocates, Lawmakers Rally to Support Affordable Care Act in Harrisburg
WHP: Gov. Wolf and Sen. Casey hold rally fighting for Affordable Care Act
MyChesCO: Gov. Wolf, Sen. Casey Rally for Affordable Care Act at “Protect Our Care” Event
WJAC-TV: WJAC TV News on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour
WJAC-TV 2: WJAC TV News on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour
WCAU: NBC Philadelphia on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour
WICU: NBC Erie on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour
WPMT: Fox Harrisburg on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour
Watch the event here