r By Matt SlonakerrDear Editor,
If you were offered 9 dollars in exchange for 1 dollar would you take the deal? The vast majority of us would say yes. That is the offer on the table in Proposition 3—and better yet, the investment in Proposition 3 pays dividends too.
Proposition 3, the initiative to expand Medicaid, is a prudent, long-term investment in Utah. It represents an investment in our state’s greatest asset: our people, our workforce. For too long, thousands of our friends, family, and neighbors have gone without health coverage. Too many Utahns have avoided or delayed seeking care. Too many Utahns have filed bankruptcy due to medical bills. And when a large part of our workforce is grappling with unresolved health care problems or crippling debt, they are not working at their full potential. So, our entire economy suffers. Proposition 3 not only brings $800 million (annually) in our taxpayer dollars back to the state, it promotes a healthier workforce, which means a more sustainable workforce.
32 states that have already expanded Medicaid are ahead of Utah. They have lower uninsured rates, and as a direct result, they have a healthier workforce. Much like we need to invest in infrastructure and education, we need to invest in the healthcare of Utahns. Utah’s economy and our economic competitiveness depend on it.
Since January 1, 2014, Utah has rejected returning around $1.4 billion back to the state of Utah. We can’t afford to ship another dime off to Washington, DC and get nothing in return. Vote ‘yes’ on Proposition 3.
Matt SlonakerrExecutive Director, Utah Health Policy Project
