RALEIGH, NC – July 28, 2022 – The North Carolina legislature adjourned today for the month after reconvening for the first time since passing the fiscal year 2022 budget.
The House and Senate will reconvene periodically over the next five months and have the ability to address priority issues that were left unresolved from the short session, including Medicaid Expansion. In a historic vote, both chambers passed legislation addressing Medicaid Expansion but have yet to come to consensus on a final bill.
The below statement is on behalf of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in and can be attributed to Derwin Montgomery, North Carolina Government Relations Director.
“We’re on the verge of securing lifesaving health coverage for the over 600,000 North Carolinians. While we’re disappointed the legislature hasn’t taken action on the issue this month, we’re optimistic that lawmakers are prioritizing the issue as a result of bipartisan and bicameral commitment to do so this year.
“We’ve never seen such robust support and momentum on ensuring affordable, quality access to care for North Carolinians than today. Medicaid expansion is necessary to address our state’s dire access to care issue and will be overwhelmingly beneficial to increasing jobs, bolstering state and local economics and saving our rural hospitals from closure.
“It’s our hope lawmakers reach a deal and take the final step toward ensuring such a reality for hardworking families when they reconvene next month and continue to keep the stories and struggles of such North Carolinians top of mind.”
###
About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.