NLC Issues Statement on Cities to Congress on Health Care

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The National League of Cities President Matt Zone, councilmember, Cleveland, issued the following statement:

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The U.S. Senate voted against a "skinny repeal" of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which would have repealed the individual and employer mandates, and eliminated the Prevention and Public Health Fund. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that, if passed, the bill would result in 16 million Americans losing their health insurance over the next decade, destabilizing the individual market and increasing average premiums. In response to this vote, National League of Cities (NLC) President Matt Zone, councilmember, Cleveland, issued the following statement:

"As we've said numerous times, Congress cannot fix the American health care system by increasing the number of uninsured Americans by millions and sticking the bill of uncompensated care on medical providers, states and city governments. This repeal bill would have reduced access to affordable health care nationwide, and would place the greatest pressure on America's small and rural communities.

"Cities are pleased to see the Senate reject yet another flawed attempt to fix America's health care system. Health care reform must focus on strengthening the existing insurance marketplace, maintaining our nation's commitment to Medicaid, and removing burdens to municipal employee health care such as the Cadillac Tax.

"Our leaders in Washington must continue to consider the financial implications of their actions not only to Americans, but also the cities they call home."