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Access to healthcare is one of the top issues for me. We know that when people have access to healthcare, they have better health.

Healthcare access in Texas is already difficult. State leaders have long put up barriers to access to care and have refused to expand access to the Affordable Care Act (in fact, it’s one of only 10 states that has refused to ensure we have access to health coverage). That’s why when I had the honor of serving as El Paso County Judge, much of my work centered on increasing access to healthcare through El Paso’s only community-owned not-for-profit hospital, University Medical Center.

I was proud to work on expanding that care through in-patient primary clinics all over town, expansion of services at the hospital, and the creation of our only stand-alone children’s hospital. Recently, I wrote an op-ed supporting the bond initiative, which was supported last month by El Paso voters.

UMC’s $396.6 million bond will help fund El Paso’s first Comprehensive Cancer Center with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, a burn center, and increase healthcare access. Additionally, it provides the funding for UMC to build a geriatric clinic in central El Paso, an outpatient clinic in Horizon, and the additional infrastructure they require to ensure they meet the needs of patients across the community.

This week, I met with UMC’s CEO to discuss the path ahead, thanks to your support, which we are all grateful for.

But based on what we’re seeing from the incoming Republican majority and President-Elect Trump, it’s clear have some challenging times ahead. 

I’m a proud supporter of HR 7635, which is a bill that strengthen a crucial drug pricing program allows hospitals like UMC to continue purchasing outpatient drugs at a discount from pharmaceutical manufacturers for low-income communities like ours. This program may be eliminated by Republicans.

I’ve also worked to prevent direct funding cuts to non-profit hospitals like UMC, which operate in states that have rejected the Affordable Care Act.

The fact is, however, that these cuts will impact all our healthcare systems – from our not-for-profit hospital, to our federally qualified health clinics, to the private hospital networks. 

I will continue to work side-by-side with our healthcare leaders to ensure you have access to affordable healthcare, but I wanted you to know that despite the great work we’re doing at home, there are real threats from a Republican White House and Congress ahead. As I’ve mentioned before, I am committed to fighting these cuts and also keeping you informed. Your health and well-being is one of my greatest priorities.