“We cannot continue to see our friends and neighbors go without access to healthcare. We cannot continue to see the cost of healthcare increase in Idaho for working families. I have heard stories locally,  of veterans who have served our country and put their lives on the line, not being able to get the life saving medical care they need simply because they cannot afford it. This is unacceptable. We must find a way to care for these individuals who willingly volunteered to serve this great nation. We must prioritize women’s health care as well. I am fully aware that this is a topic that causes great division, but we must assure that we provide proper care for all people. Recently, in national news multiple Idaho couples have been telling their stories of having to travel across state lines just to receive the proper medical attention they need. We are losing physicians across the state, we are shutting down women’s health departments in hospitals and in some cases we are shutting down whole hospitals. Young promising interns and medical students are no longer looking at Idaho as a possible place to practice medicine. Mr. Andrus has said in multiple interviews that he is for “protecting health freedoms”. This statement only seems to apply to a select few though. Idaho’s women, and less fortunate apparently don’t qualify for those same protections. I am dedicated to passing laws that not only make health care accessible and affordable but also of the highest quality possible for all Idahoans!”

-Joseph Messerly