Josh Stein Urges Congress to Reopen Government and Fund Critical Programs

Urgent Call to Reopen Government

• 🚨 Josh Stein expresses grave concern over the government shutdown, highlighting its impact on families and critical programs.
• 💡 He emphasizes the urgency for the US House of Representatives to return to session and collaborate with the Senate to pass a budget.

Impact on Essential Programs

• 🍎 Stein points out that programs feeding people across North Carolina and the country are at risk due to the shutdown.
• 💰 The livelihoods of our troops and National Guard are affected, with some currently not being paid.
• 🏘️ Funding for Hurricane Helen recovery is also in jeopardy, underscoring the need for government operations to resume.

Healthcare Affordability Crisis

• 🩺 The governor stresses the necessity of ensuring access to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans.
• 💸 He warns that millions being priced out of the health insurance market would be devastating to the entire system.
• 🏥 When individuals lack Medicaid or subsidized private insurance, they delay care, leading to increased reliance on expensive emergency department visits.
• 📈 This lack of insurance ultimately drives up healthcare costs for everyone, including private providers and the state health plan.
• ✅ Stein reiterates the urgency for Congress to address affordable healthcare and reopen the government swiftly.