Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for three years. 

The vote follows a successful push from House Democrats to garner enough support through a discharge petition, a legislative tool to force a vote when House leadership refuses to move bills that are supported by a majority of Members. 

“For months, Republicans have refused to extend life-saving subsidies that make sure kids, moms, and families in Colorado can afford health care. Because of their inaction, the subsidies expired on January 1st, and families already struggling to make ends meet had to make difficult decisions on how they are going to pay for care or have been forced to forego coverage altogether. But Democrats have refused to back down, and we were able to force a vote and pass these extensions in the House. 

“We’re fighting for the Coloradans who shared their stories with us: the mom caring for her disabled husband and son, the child battling cancer, the teacher in Chaffee County with a life-threatening heart condition, and the small business owners worried about whether their employees can stay insured. For them — and millions of other Americans — this is quite literally life or death.

“This is the beginning of the health care crisis that this administration has created by ripping away care that families depend on. It's going to be a difficult road ahead, but we are not giving up. Today’s vote happened because people across the country spoke up, shared their stories, and demanded better. And we’re going to carry that same perseverance to keep the pressure on the Senate to pass this bill and protect the people whose lives depend on it.”

Specifically, in Colorado:

• 80% of people who purchase their health insurance from the ACA marketplace benefit from these tax credits.
• The state will lose $105 million in federal subsidies.
• On average, Coloradans could see premiums increase by 205%. 
• Between 52,000 to 110,000 will have to leave their plans. 69% of those individuals will become uninsured. 

In Colorado’s 7th Congressional District:

• 21,532 people could lose their coverage. 
• Families could pay $15,647 more each year for the same coverage.
• Premiums could increase by an average of 162%.