www.ProgressIowa.org Contact: Matt Sinovic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (515) 423-0530
MARCH 4TH, 2013

Iowans deserve apology from Branstad for comparing denying access to health care to closing down a cash bar.

DES MOINES — During a press conference this morning where he announced his latest effort to avoid Medicaid expansion and deny Iowans adequate health coverage, Governor Terry Branstad compared state employees and Iowans without health insurance to people needing to be cut off at an open bar during a wedding:

“It’s like former Tim Pawlenty from Minnesota said, it’s like going to a wedding where you have an open bar versus a cash bar,” Branstad said. “There’s going to be a whole lot more liquor consumed with an open bar.”

Watch the full video here: http://youtu.be/1o_Zfa-0ITM

In response, Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement:

“Governor Branstad owes Iowans an apology. Thousands of families and veterans across the state already live without the security of receiving quality health care because of Branstad’s stubborn political refusal to expand Medicaid. The last thing they need to hear is the Governor comparing their health care to a cash bar.”

“It is long past time for expanded Medicaid in Iowa. Compared to the plan Branstad announced today, Medicaid would cover more Iowans and cost our state less. It should be an easy decision.”

“Governor Branstad should apologize immediately for his inappropriate remarks, and take the necessary steps to expand Medicaid, for the benefit of all Iowans.”

The plan proposed by Branstad today would cover fewer Iowans and cost the state more, compared to opting for Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Several states, including eight led by Republican Governors, have opted for expanded Medicaid.