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Making Healthcare Affordable

I am writing this letter in support of Christine Palm’s candidacy for state representative in Connecticut’s 36th District. Ms. Palm has more than 10 years of experience as a communications director and policy analyst in state government. From this vantage point, she has witnessed up close the challenges facing Connecticut.

In her campaign, she has emphasized the issues of retaining a young, educated workforce; protecting the environment; and enhancing women’s rights. The top item in her platform is making healthcare affordable for all.

For many residents healthcare expenses are an increasing burden, pushing the limit of affordability. And in 2017, the last year for which data is available, 5.5 percent of Connecticut residents were completely without health insurance. The rate of uninsured has increased since 2015 because of a decision by the legislature to tighten the eligibility requirements for HUSKY A (Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program). Those most affected are the state’s black and Latino adult population, and their children. Solutions are measures that enhance economic growth, an increase in the minimum wage, and changes in tax policy toward low income residents.

I believe that basic healthcare is a right of all citizens and with the right policies this can be accomplished in our state. Christine Palm will work hard to make this happen.

Mark Pierce

Essex