Hank Johnson: “As a cochairman of the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, I rise this morning to talk about how important expanding…”

“As a cochairman of the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, I rise this morning to talk about how important expanding Medicaid is for my State and for every State in this great Nation. It gives me great pride to be in the well of the House this morning speaking on the topic of expanding the Medicaid program today, the 49th anniversary of the date when the legislation creating the Medicaid antipoverty program was signed into law by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. More than 30 Members of Congress have joined the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus because we know that opening the way to health care for the poor is good, it is righteous, it is just, it is merciful. It is the right thing to do because, according to Matthew 25:40: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. And for those who have not a care about the poor, then you should know also that expanding Medicaid to more poor people will stimulate the economy by creating jobs in the burgeoning health care and other ancillary industries. More jobs mean more spending, which leads to more profits. For those of you who are only concerned about your bottom line, then you should also know: Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.--Proverbs 19:17. The stimulation of economies is exactly what expanding Medicaid has accomplished in the 27 States that have expanded eligibility.…”