Matsui Opposes Cutting Health Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 27, 2012

CONTACT: ALANA JUTEAU
(202) 225-7163

Matsui Opposes Cutting Health Fund

Today, after opposing H.R. 4628, the Interest Rate Reduction Act, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) released the following statement:

"We must prevent an increase in the student loan interest rate that is slated for July 1st. For months, Democrats have been urging bipartisan action to prevent such an increase. Unfortunately, yet again, Republicans have chosen to play political games with a critical issue.

"Instead of raising taxes on millionaires and billionaires to help students pay for college, as Democrats have suggested, Republicans have presented a bill that would eliminate the Prevention and Public Health Fund established by the Affordable Care Act. Not only is this fund critical to improving our nation's public health and reducing the spread of disease, it will also save millions of dollars in health costs in the long run.

"My Democratic colleagues and I believe that investments in education and public health are necessary to keep costs down and to keep our country competitive - and that we can pay for these investments by closing tax loopholes and ensuring everyone pays their fair share. On the other hand, Republicans continue to fight to protect millionaires and special interests, and are risking doubling the student loan interest rate on more than 7 million students to do so."

Congresswoman Matsui has been an active supporter of the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which was based on her legislation, the Wellness Trust Act, and which she worked to see included in the Affordable Care Act.

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