Washington, DC — Across the country on Monday and Tuesday, elected officials, health care advocates, doctors and patient storytellers came together at 19 separate events in 14 states hosted by Protect Our Care to highlight the devastating impact that overturning the health care law would have in their communities, on their families and for millions of Americans. Participants at Protect Our Care’s events made crystal clear that our health care laws are in imminent danger due to Trump’s lawsuit and spoke out in defense of the health care law and the millions who will lose coverage should it be dismantled.
Additionally, Protect Our Care aired a new ad Tuesday warning the American people about the Trump lawsuit. The ad ran on cable in DC, and digitally in-state targeting GOP senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) – who all support Trump’s Texas lawsuit that would decimate their constituents’ health care.
ALASKA
Tuesday, July 9th – Override the Vetoes Rally
Protect Our Care Alaska joined thousands of Alaskans at the Override the Vetoes rally in response to Governor Dunleavy’s devastating budget vetoes, which include $77 million in cuts to the state Medicaid program and loss of what is projected to be upwards of $50 million dollars in matching federal funds. The rally comes the same day as day oral arguments for the Texas v. United States case occur—marking an attack on the state’s Medicaid expansion in addition to the Governor’s assault on the program. View video of the event here.
ARIZONA
Tuesday, July 9th – Event with DNC Chair Tom Perez and State Rep. Kelli Butler
DNC Chair Tom Perez, State Rep. Kelli Butler, and health care advocates from across the state joined Protect Our Care Arizona for an event to highlight the devastating impacts on Arizonans’ health care if the Texas v. United States lawsuit prevails. Participants described the value of the ACA across Arizona and called on Arizona officials to stand up against this war on health care.View the post-event release here and video of the event here.
- KJZZ (NPR): DNC Chairman Hosts Pro-Affordable Care Act Rally In Phoenix
- AZ Central: DNC Chair Defends Obamacare in Phoenix
- KNXV 15: Affordable Care Act Challenge
- KPHO: The Fate of Obamacare
- KTVK: Debate Over Health Coverage
- AZ Family: Democratic Party Chair blasts Sen. McSally as part of the ‘Duo of Doom’
- AZ Central: Meantime, people you elected would kill your health care and, indirectly, maybe even you
COLORADO
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Call with State Reps. Dylan Roberts, Daneya Esgar and Patient Advocates
Protect Our Care Colorado hosted a press call with State Rep. Dylan Roberts and Adam Fox of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative to highlight the devastating impact the Texas v. United States lawsuit could have on Coloradans. Participants described the progress made across Colorado under the ACA and what is at stake for Coloradans, particularly those living with a pre-existing condition. Laura Packard, who survived stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, credits the Affordable Care Act with saving her life, blasted Republicans for refusing to stand up for others like her. View the post-call release here and audio of the call here.
- Denver Westword: Democrats Blast Gardner on Health Care Amid Another Obamacare Repeal Effort
- Pueblo Chieftain (Laura Packard Op Ed): Health care is a basic human right
- KDVR TV 2: Coloradans Await Another Ruling that Could Up End Obamacare
- KRDO: Local expert weighs in on how changes to Affordable Care Act could affect Colorado
GEORGIA
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at State Capitol
State Rep. David Dreyer and concerned Georgians joined Protect Our Care Georgia at the State Capitol to call attention to the potential repercussions of the Texas v. United States for a variety of people, including young adults on their parents’ plan, the disabled community, and those with pre-existing conditions. They also called out Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, who is one of the Republicans who brought the lawsuit. View the post-event release here and video of the event here.
- WABE: Obamacare Lawsuit Has Georgia Advocates Worried
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution: An Obamacare hearing with deep implications — for the GOP and a Democratic presidential field
- WXIA 11: Harvard-bound Atlanta woman battling lupus concerned over state’s court fight on ACA’s preexisting conditions rule
IOWA
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at State Capitol
Progress Iowa and Protect Our Care Iowa joined State Sen. Janet Petersen in Des Moines for a press conference outside the State Capitol condemning the Trump lawsuit that would eliminate coverage for thousands of Iowans.
- Iowa Labor News: Iowans To Stand Up For Health Care as Oral Arguments Begin in Texas v. United States
- Iowa Starting Line: Iowans Warn of Consequences of Anti-ACA, Trump-Backed Lawsuit
- KCCI: POC and Senator Janet Peterson coverage
- WHO: Des Moines coverage
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s Office in Cedar Rapids
Progress Iowa, Protect Our Care Iowa, State Sen. Janet Petersen, and a group of Iowans gathered in Cedar Rapids outside of Senator Joni Ernst’s office to call attention to her support for the dangerous this lawsuit and repeal of the ACA. Ernst has refused to sign onto a Senate resolution that would allow Senate counsel to go to court and defend the Affordable Care Act.
- Cedar Rapids Gazette: Another court weighs fate of Obamacare
- KCRG: Des Moines and Cedar Rapids coverage
- KGAN: Cedar Rapids coverage
MAINE
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at State House Welcome Center
Protect Our Care Maine was joined by State Rep. Thom Harnett, State Sen. David Miramant, and Consumers for Affordable Health Care to call attention to the Texas v. United States lawsuit and the continued war on the Affordable Care Act. State Rep. Donna Doore could not make the event due to radiation. The very idea that people like myself and millions of other Americans with preexisting conditions would not be able to obtain insurance under the ACA is ridiculous.” View the post-event release here and video of the event here.
- Maine Public: Thousands Of Mainers Could Be Affected If Affordable Care Act Is Overturned
- Bangor Daily News: Ongoing challenge to Affordable Care Act could add to risks for Collins
- Maine Beacon: ACA lawsuit threatens to leave almost 90,000 Mainers uninsured
- U.S. Sen. Angus King: Video on consequences of Texas v. United States
MICHIGAN
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Call with State House Democratic Leader and State Representatives
Protect Our Care Michigan joined with State House Democratic Leader Rep. Christine Greig and State Reps. Abdullah Hammoud and Frank Liberati to shed light on the detrimental impact that the Texas v. United States lawsuit could have on Michiganders’ health. They noted that if the lawsuit is successful, more than 720,000 Michigan residents could lose their health care coverage. View the post-event release here and audio of the call here.
- Gongwer: Dems Sound Alarm As ACA Oral Arguments Begin
- MLive: Michigan Democrats ramp up fight to stop Obamacare repeal
- MIRS: As Judges Hear ACA Arguments, Democrats Take Their Case To Public
- Michigan Advance: Michigan Democrats come out against lawsuit squashing Obamacare
MINNESOTA
Monday, July 8th – Press Call with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, Reps. Angie Craig and Dean Phillips, and AG Keith Ellsion
Senator Tina Smith, Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02) and Dean Phillips (MN-03), and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined Protect Our Care Minnesota to discuss Trump’s lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Dawn Burnfin, a home health care worker from Chisholm, Minnesota, also shared her own experiences as a mother raising five children with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and a pre-existing condition which could cost the family their health coverage in the absence of the Affordable Care Act’s protections. View the post-call release here and audio of the call here.
- Duluth News-Tribune: With Obamacare set to face another test, Minnesotans warn of consequences
- Voice of Alexandria: Minnesota Democrats Defend Affordable Care Act on Appeals Court Day
NEVADA
Monday, July 8 – Event with Battle Born Progress and Rep. Susie Lee
Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) appeared at a Battle Born Progress event to discuss the Texas v. United States lawsuit that threatens to derail health care for millions of Nevadans. Rep. Lee said, “attacking and dismantling the Affordable Care Act will destabilize our individual market, send premiums skyrocketing and dismantle protections for those with pre-existing conditions and cut out access to health care for millions of Americans.” State Assemblywoman Lesley Cohen also highlighted the bills in Nevada’s state legislature meant to strengthen state protections in the face of the Republican assault on federal heath care laws.
- Nevada Current: Health Care for Thousands in Nevada at Stake in ACA case
- KSNV: ACA Appeal: Much at stake for Nevada
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at State Legislative Building
Protect Our Care Nevada was joined by SEIU, Planned Parenthood, and Children’s Advocacy Alliance to call attention to the effects of the Texas lawsuit on Nevadans, including eliminating protections for pre-existing conditions.
- Las Vegas Review Journal: Validity of Obamacare Law at Issue in Court Hearing
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Monday, July 8 – New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Press Event
New Hampsire’s entire congressional delegation – Sen. Jeanne Shahhen, Sen. Maggie Hassan, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), and Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) – gathered for a press conference to speak out against the lawsuit to repeal the Affordable Care Act and highlight the potentially devastating repercussions for Granite Staters’ health care.
- New Hampshire NPR: N.H. Congressional Delegation Warns Against Repeal of ACA
- WMUR: Democratic lawmakers warn of serious consequences if ACA is overturned
- WCAX: NH Congressional delegation to discuss health care preservation
- Union Leader: As federal lawsuit looms, NH congressional delegation pushes for support of Obamacare
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at New Hampshire State House
Local doctors, an advocacy group leader, and a patient joined Protect Our Care New Hampshire to call attention to the Texas v. United States lawsuit and call on Governor Chris Sununu to sign SB 4, which would codify the protections of the ACA in state law should the law be repealed at the federal level through the courts. During the press conference, Gov. Sununu announced he would sign the bill. View the post-event release here and video of the event here.
- WMUR: Senate signs bill to protect coverage for preexisting conditions
- Concord Monitor: Sununu to sign Democrat-backed safeguards to Obamacare provisions
- New Hampshire NPR: Sununu To Sign Bill To Protect Health Coverage for Those With Pre-existing Conditions
NORTH CAROLINA
Tuesday,July 9th – Press Conference with AG Josh Stein and Health Care Advocates
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein joined Protect Our Care North Carolina and health care advocates from across the state for a press conference to denounce the Trump administration’s lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act, and highlight the need for officials to stand-up against attacks on North Carolinians’ health care. View the post-event release here and video of the event here.
- North Carolina Health News: As legislators debate Medicaid expansion, Josh Stein defends the law that makes it possible
- WNCN: ACA Arguments Begin
- WPTF: Health coverage for millions up in the air
OHIO
Monday, July 8th – Roundtable with Senator Sherrod Brown
A day ahead of oral arguments in the Texas v. United States lawsuit, Senator Sherrod Brown joined health care experts, doctors, advocates, and patients to discuss health care and how the lawsuit would impact Ohioans. Representatives from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, UHCAN Ohio, National Physicians Alliance, Policy Matters Ohio, and others joined the event.
- Cleveland Plain Dealer: U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown sharply criticizes Trump’s effort to overturn the Affordable Care Act in court
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference with Rep. Marcy Kaptur in Toledo
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), State Rep. Paula Hicks Hudson, and health care advocates from across the state joined Protect Our Care Ohio for a press conference to discuss the Trump administration’s lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Participants denounced Republicans’ ongoing efforts to strip millions of Americans of their health care, and undo protections for people with pre-existing conditions. View the post-event release here.
- Toledo Blade: Toledoans rally in support of Affordable Care Act
- WTVG: Protect Our Care to hold a news conference to show ACA support
- WTOL: Ohio leaders call attention to health care lawsuit
Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference in Columbus
In Columbus, Protect Our Care Ohio was joined by Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, State Rep. Erica Crawley, Dr. Ean Bett, and representatives from local advocacy groups to speak out against the current Trump lawsuit to overturn the ACA. Attorney Klein also spoke about the lawsuit he is leading, along with other U.S. cities, against the Trump administration for its continued sabotage of American health care. View the post-event release here.
- WSYX: Columbus Leaders Defend Obamacare
- WCMH: State and local officials and doctors rally in support of Affordable Care Act
PENNSYLVANIA & NEW JERSEY
Monday, July 8th — Press Call with Reps. Susan Wild and Andy Kim
Reps. Susan Wild (PA-07) and Andy Kim (NJ-02) joined Protect Our Care for a press call to denounce Trump’s disastrous Texas lawsuit to destroy America’s health care ahead of oral arguments, and focused on the impacts that Texas v. United States would have on their districts. Listen to audio of the call here.
- Burlington County Times: Congressman Andy Kim warns of ‘health care crisis’ if Affordable Care Act is invalidated
Tuesday, July 9th — Press Call with U.S. Sen. Bob Casey
Senator Bob Casey joined advocates and patients with pre-existing conditions today on a press call to discuss the Trump lawsuit’s threat to Pennsylvanians’ health care. Senator Casey was joined by Antoinette Kraus at the Pennsylvania Health Action Network and two Pennsylvanians with pre-existing conditions to share their experiences as well as what the lawsuit could mean for their livelihoods. View the post call release here and audio of the call here.
- KDKA Radio: Senator Bob Casey Defends Affordable Care Act
- Penn Capital Star: ‘Obnoxious’ Texas case could cost thousands in Pa. their health insurance, Pa. Sen. Casey warns
- Lehigh Valley Live: Local leaders say affordable health care is a right, ‘not a privilege for the fortunate few’
- Morning Call: Democratic lawmakers push to protect Obamacare on eve of court appeal
- Johnstown Tribune Democrat: Casey warns of legal challenge to Affordable Care Act
- Philadelphia Tribune: Court ruling could impact future of federal health law
- Trib Live: Patients fear losing health insurance if Trump-backed lawsuit to gut ACA prevails
- Bucks County Courier Times: Casey, health care advocates ‘sound the alarm’ about ACA lawsuit
- Pittsburgh Business Times: Casey: ACA lawsuit would be devastating if successful
- Observer-Reporter: Casey defends Affordable Care Act
WISCONSIN
Tuesday, July 9th — Press Call with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and AG Josh Kaul
Senator Tammy Baldwin and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined a press call with Protect Our Care Wisconsin to talk about the implications of the Trump lawsuit on Badgers’ health care. Kaul pulled Wisconsin out of the Trump lawsuit after being elected last November, and has made protecting the ACA a top priority. View the post call release here and audio of the call here.