GALESBURG - The 45 to 55 percent rate hike for Illinois Obamacare participants is no big deal Democrat incumbent Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) - at least that's what her Republican challenger Patrick Harlan claims.
"Believe it or not, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos still supports Obamacare," Harlan said." Ask her. She still supports it. How is this not a bigger deal when premiums are going up 40, 50, 60 percent?
Last week, news about next year's projected Obamacare rates showed that in Illinois, the individual bronze plans will cost 44 percent more, silver plans 45 percent more and gold plans will go up 55 percent.
A family of four in Illinois will pay an average of $1,078 a month for the second-lowest price silver plan before tax credits.
The Obamacare rate hikes are just the latest bad news on the health care program passed with only Democrat support in 2010, months before Republicans took over the majority in the U.S. House.
"The seven-year argument is now settled. Obamacare is a bad deal for Illinois 17th District workers and families," Harlan said. "There's no point in arguing that anymore. But Congresswoman Bustos continues to deny reality, pretending everything is A-OK, while Illinois workers and families are hurting and unable to afford these ridiculous premium increases."
"The people need to know. Does Cheri Bustos still support Obamacare? How will she address this devastating crisis impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals and families in Illinois?"
Bustos' website does not mention her position on Obamacare, but it does boast President Obama's endorsement for her re-election.
“Throughout the last eight years, Barack Obama has always been a fighter for middle class families, and I am honored to accept his endorsement,” said Cheri Bustos. “As your Congresswoman, I’ll continue working to protect Social Security and Medicare, invest in our schools and grow our manufacturing economy so we can create more good-paying jobs for Illinois’ hardworking families.”
Harlan, who has received a "conservative" rating on Family Research Action's recent voting guide, is clearly frustrated with Bustos silence about Obamacare.
"There is not a sane person anywhere who sees a light at the end of the Obamacare tunnel. Rates are skyrocketing, and families are questioning how they will make ends meet. So what does Cheri Bustos plan to do about it? And does she even care?"
