Mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, friends, and strangers. These are the many faces of those who are uninsured and underinsured in Arizona. It is time to put to rest the idea that healthcare is a privilege. I believe that healthcare is a fundamental right, one that no person should be denied. No Arizonan should have to fear losing everything because of sickness or injury.

As someone who has seen family and friends suffer simple illnesses that ultimately became serious – but preventable – conditions, I have seen first hand the tragic consequences of our flawed healthcare system. Americans pay more than anyone else in the world for healthcare, and yet there are still folks falling though the cracks. That’s just not right.

What’s more is even those with healthcare insurance often are denied the very coverage they pay for, or are dropped from their plan as soon as they file any serious claim. That’s just not right.

Arizona has the ability to ensure that no one suffers unnecessarily, that no one is taken advantage of by big insurance companies, and that every Arizonan has the security and peace of mind that comes with quality, accessible healthcare. I will fight in the legislature to make sure that healthcare for all is realized in Arizona.