Leader Stephenson and Leader Murphy statements on lack of action to lower health care prices in federal budget ‘deal’

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – As Congress moves toward enacting a short-term agreement to reopen the federal government without extending the tax credits that help reduce health insurance premiums, DFL leaders in the Minnesota House and Senate issued the following statements.

House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson:

“Minnesota families are experiencing an affordability crisis that is only about to get worse when health insurance premiums skyrocket because Donald Trump and Republicans put tax breaks for billionaires ahead of affordable health care for everyday people. The ‘deal’ developing in Washington is a bad one for the middle class, and I’m proud Minnesota’s DFL Congressional delegation is unanimously voting ‘no.’ While the GOP created this mess, DFLers will continue fighting to fix our broken system and make health care more affordable for everyone.”

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy:

“Republicans have pushed family budgets to the limit in every way possible: spiking healthcare costs, missing paychecks, canceling flights. Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans spent the last few weeks budgeting groceries. Next year, many won’t be able to pay for health insurance because Republicans chose tax cuts for the wealthy over relief for working people. Donald Trump is touring the world, golfing, partying and building a ballroom for his rich friends. The DFL will keep fighting for working families, children and seniors, here and in Washington. Americans sent a message at the ballot box last week. It’s clear only one side is listening to them.”