I believe public health programs, especially those that prevent childhood lead poisoning, heart disease, strokes and diabetes, are vital to the well being of our community.
Rep. Scott Tipton does not believe public health programs are essential. In November, Tipton voted to cut $6.3 billion in funding from the Prevention and Public Health Fund.
With his vote, Tipton was willing to reduce funding to rapidly address public health crises – funding used for vaccines, flu prevention, addressing the opioid epidemic, and programs to prevent lead poisoning, diabetes, heart disease and strokes.
By cutting funding, Tipton thought it acceptable for people living in his congressional district to be more vulnerable and unprepared for outbreaks of disease.
Tipton also voted to jeopardize low- and moderate-income family members’ access to health care. As part of the Affordable Care Act, low- and moderate-income family members experiencing temporary financial difficulties have a 90 day grace period to pay their premiums before their insurer can terminate their coverage.
Tipton voted to shorten this grace period to 30 days.
Congressman Tipton, why don’t you care about the public health of your constituents? And why are you making it harder for the people of Congressional District 3 to have health care?
Barbara Noseworthy
Durango