Whether you live in a big city or a small town, no matter your income or background, all Floridians should be able to get the health care they need. But state leaders continue to play politics with our health care by refusing to expand Medicaid, allowing billions of our hard-earned tax dollars to go to other states. We should be bringing our hard-earned money back home to our communities to make healthcare affordable, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and invest in a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Florida.

Florida is one of just ten states that has refused to expand Medicaid. Medicaid expansion would make North Florida families healthier and each family would see at least $800 of their tax money returned to our state to provide affordable health care. These dollars will provide funding to keep small county hospitals open and protect and create tens of thousands of health care jobs across the state. And, if Floridians didn’t have to pay thousands of dollars for doctors and medical debt, they’d have more to spend with local businesses.

Expanding Medicaid is just common sense – that’s why in the Florida Senate, I will work to make it a reality for the nearly one million Floridians without affordable care. I will fight to make sure we fully fund non-profit health care, like KidCare, Medicaid, and public hospitals.

We must also address Florida’s shortage of health care providers – especially in small counties throughout North Florida – and expand primary care. Prevention and early detection are essential to improving healthcare for Floridians. As North Florida’s Senator, every hard-working family and North Floridian finally get good healthcare you can afford.