Sydney Asbury sent out an email about the Governor's remarks on his opponents lack of support for health care reform. Please find that email below.
Friends,
At a press availability that occurred only a few minutes ago, Governor Patrick stood up for small businesses and working families across Massachusetts by calling for a limit on rising health care premiums that are choking job creation in our state. He also took the other candidates for Governor to task for not being on the side of small businesses and working people when it comes to containing skyrocketing health care premiums.
"...every time there's a hard decision, every time something has to be done, where there's some urgency, putting something on the line for regular people, the challengers...are missing in action and they're missing in action today."
The Governor is absolutely correct to call his opponents out. While industry premiums increased 131% over the last ten years, Charles Baker served as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim health care, working at the highest-level in the health care industry. He had a real opportunity to directly help control rates. He did not and he does not support the Governor's current plan to empower the Commissioner of Insurance to limit premiums and give small businesses a chance to create new jobs.
Treasurer Cahill has also so far proposed nothing to seriously address this issue and only offers criticism from the sidelines.
We can't afford to wait any longer. Small businesses are the engine that drives job growth in our Commonwealth, and they need the help the Governor is providing now.
The Governor's remarks about his opponents came moments after he completed his testimony in front of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, Community Development, and Small Business. At the hearing, he stood on behalf of small businesses, shared their frustration with the status quo, and urged for passage of his proposal that will limit the costs of premiums for small business.
"Enough is enough. On the main streets of the Commonwealth, we have an emergency on our hands. We can debate the whys and the hows of health care increases, but the strivers who are investing their energy, their time and their money to help the Massachusetts economy flourish can wait for answers no longer."
The governor is absolutely right. His proposal to limit the rise in premiums for small businesses offers real relief for employers right now. Unfortunately, our opponents do not see it this way. In fact, both of these candidates were noticeably absent at today's hearing.
Today's events represent a clear example of the choices Massachusetts voters have before them in this election. Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray care about working people and take on entrenched and powerful interests on their behalf, while other candidates are either beholden to those interests or too timid to do anything about the problems facing our Commonwealth.
That is why we need your help. That is why we must work everyday to re-elect Deval Patrick and Tim Murray.
Stand for something. Stand for small businesses and working families. Get involved in our campaign. You can donate and volunteer, or call our office at 617-367-2010. None of us can afford to sit on the sidelines any longer. Get involved and tell five of your friends to do the same.
Sydney Asbury,
Campaign Manager
