PHOENIX – Chambers of commerce from across Arizona today released the following letter stating support for Gov. Jan Brewer’s call to expand Medicaid in the state.
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January 16, 2013
The Honorable Janice K. Brewer
Governor
1700 West Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Dear Governor Brewer:
Business leaders from across the state applaud your call to expand the Medicaid population and restore the voter-approved Proposition 204 population. We understand that this was a difficult decision to make but it was the right one for the people and businesses of Arizona.
Reducing the amount of uncompensated care and the number of uninsured in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner is a critical issue for chambers of commerce in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state. Due to cost shifting resulting from uncompensated care, businesses’ costs for covering workers are higher than they otherwise should be, a phenomenon often referred to as the hidden health care tax.
A strong healthcare system is crucial to the economic health and vitality of the entire state. Thousands of good paying jobs with benefits depend on our state moving down the path you articulated.
We stand with you and are prepared to strongly and vocally support your decision throughout this endeavor. If we can be of any assistance to you or your staff please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Marana Chamber of Commerce
Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce
Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce
Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce
Nogales- Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce
Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Prescott Chamber of Commerce
North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce
Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce
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