OVER A WEEK INTO TRUMP SHUTDOWN, ARKANSAS REPUBLICANS REFUSE TO PREVENT HIGHEST-IN-NATION HEALTHCARE COST SURGE FOR ARKANSAS FAMILIES

The following information was released by the Democratic Party of Arkansas:

One week into the Trump Shutdown, Arkansas Republicans are still refusing to get serious about ending this shutdown and stopping Arkansans' health insurance costs from skyrocketing. Premiums in Arkansas will increase more than any other state, according to Newsweek.

House Republicans refuse to even come to D.C. Meanwhile, Democrats are in Washington, D.C., holding the line to ensure health care premiums don't double, on average, for 166,000 Arkansans.

In response, Arkansas Democratic Party Chair Col. Marcus Jones (Ret.) released the following statement:

"Arkansas Republicans shut the government down because they refuse to stop health care premiums from more than doubling for 166,000 Arkansans, and now, they refuse to even show up to work to end this Trump Shutdown. Our Congressional Delegation is ignoring that increases to premiums will hit Arkansas hardest, as we face the steepest healthcare cost hikes anywhere in the country.

This shouldn't be about partisanship. We should work together to find real solutions to these devastating cost increases. Democrats are holding the line for Arkansas families, ready to negotiate to lower costs, and save health care for almost 170,000 Arkansans. We're calling on Reps. Hill, Womack, Crawford, and Westerman, as well as Sens. Cotton and Boozman to speak up and against these price hikes to ensure Arkansans can go to the doctor and get the healthcare they need."

Democrats' proposal to extend health care credits for Arkansas families is overwhelmingly popular: A new Washington Post poll found that 71% of Americans, including 80 percent of independents, want these tax credits to be extended.