Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) and Rep. Jeremy Durham (R-Franklin) said they would accept a letter today from a statewide coalition of conservative leaders and activists who oppose Medicaid expansion.
Senator Kelsey stated, “Republican opposition to Obamacare Medicaid expansion is gaining momentum. These county party chairmen reflect the grassroots Republican opposition that is taking hold in the legislature.”
They set a press conference on the issue.
Signatories to the letter include current chairs and party members from counties served by rural hospitals, such as West Tennessee Healthcare in Weakley County. Signatories also include persons included on a list circulated by supporters of Medicaid expansion who did not intend to support the governor’s proposal.
Governor Bill Haslam announced recently an Insure Tennessee plan.
Party chairs signing the letter:
Rachel Welch--Chairman, Putnam County Republican Party
Gayle Jones--Chairman, Giles County Republican Party
Barry Hutcherson--Chairman, Chester County Republican Party
Chris Thompson--Chairman, Pickett County Republican Party
Dolores DiGeatano, MD--Chairman, Fayette County Republican Party
David Baldovin--Chairman, Moore county Republican Party
Sue Jackson--Chairman, Obion County Republican Party
Daniel Williams--Chairman, Carroll County Republican Party
Ben Nixon--Chairman, Warren County Republican Party
Harold Kemp--Chairman, Macon County Republican Party
Constance Hightower--Chairman, Hamblen County Republican Party
Debbie Baldwin--Chairman, Benton County Republican Party
Judi Swilling--Chairman, Claiborne County Republican Party
Jimmy Knight--Chairman, Union County Republican Party
Fred Ellis--Chairman, Lincoln County Republican Party
Ken Coppinger--Chairman, Rhea County Republican Party
Richard Swink--Chairman, Robertson County Republican Party
Ronald Wayne King--Chairman, Scott County Republican Party
Robert Dunham--Chairman, White County Republican Party
An excerpt from the letter reads, “As conservatives in our communities, we have worked hard to elect leaders we trust will uphold our values of shrinking government, imposing less taxes and costs on businesses and individuals, and embracing a free market.
"We reject ObamaCare’s Medicaid expansion. And we need you to stand strong on these principles in the coming special session.” A copy of the letter is attached.
Who: Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown); Rep. Jeremy Durham (R-Franklin)
What: Press conference on open letter opposing Medicaid expansion proposal
When: Monday, February 2, 2015; 10:30 a.m.
Where: Legislative Plaza, Rm. 30