The Leadership Conference is working diligently to see that Tom Perez is confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Perez is an eminently qualified public servant and consensus builder who has dedicated his career to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and have the opportunity to succeed. He has served with integrity and distinction at the local, state and national level, compiling an outstanding record of achievement. Press Release - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
ACA Decision | Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Supreme Court Ruling Upholding the Affordable Care Act
Urges States to Accept Federal Medicaid Expansion
For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott Westbrook Simpson, 202.466.2061, simpson@civilrights.org
June 28, 2012
Washington, D.C. – Wade Henderson and Nancy Zirkin, president and executive vice president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act:
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act is a major victory for civil and human rights. Every person in the United States should have access to affordable, quality health care. This historic decision erases any doubt that the federal government has the constitutional authority to expand and improve access to health services for millions of people who otherwise would be denied the care they need.
It’s important to remember that the burdens of costly health care are not distributed evenly. Rather, they fall disproportionately on disadvantaged populations, which are more likely to experience higher rates of unemployment, to have jobs that do not provide health insurance, and to have lower incomes that put higher insurance premiums out of their financial reach.
For that reason, we are disappointed that the Court chose to allow states to opt-out of federal efforts to expand health care coverage through Medicaid. Medicaid provides a vital lifeline for individuals and families who have the fewest resources and options for obtaining care. Providing such care is not only cost effective but deeply rooted in our shared American values. We hope no state will turn its back on its poorest residents by denying them available coverage through the Medicaid program.
Today is indeed a turning point for our country. The time for arguing over the constitutionality of the ACA is over. Now is the time for policymakers to work together in a bipartisan way to make the ACA’s promise of more affordable and accessible health care a reality for millions of Americans.”
Wade Henderson is president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and Nancy Zirkin is the executive vice president of The Leadership Conference, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.
