HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — In a recent appearance on the R.J. Harris Breakfast Show, Congressman Scott Perry acknowledged hearing that Pennsylvanians are struggling with the rising cost of health care and electricity, but tried to pass the buck for why they are experiencing devastating rising costs.

Here are the facts:

• The Republican Tax Law he voted for made historic cuts to Medicaid that could result in millions losing coverage, put hospitals and nursing homes under financial strain, and threaten health care jobs across Pennsylvania. More than 180,000 of Perry’s constituents rely on Medicaid.

• Perry signed an op-ed stating that extending the ACA tax credits would be a “colossal mistake” and did not vote to extend them; as a result premiums have jumped by 180% in PA-10 - the largest district-wide average premium increase across the Commonwealth.

• Perry and his Republican colleagues in Congress voted to repeal federal clean energy incentives that experts projected would reduce energy costs and increase domestic energy production.

• Perry voted five times to support continued military action in Iran, which has created a global energy shock, sharply driving up wholesale costs for crude oil, natural gas, and electricity.

“When the ACA tax credits expired, my premium went up to $800 per paycheck. Who can afford that? We’ve had to make the heartbreaking decision to go without coverage, because it’s either that or no food on the table, roof over our heads,” said Arona, resident of Harrisburg. “I know I’m not alone because I’ve heard from many other families experiencing the same thing we are, and apparently so has my Congressman Scott Perry. But what is he doing about it? Blaming the past instead of taking responsibility for hitting families with cost increase after cost increase.”

Acknowledging that families are struggling is not enough. If Perry believes Pennsylvanians are paying too much, he should explain:

• Will he reverse the Medicaid cuts that threaten coverage for more than 170,000 of his constituents?

• Will he restore health care tax credits that help Pennsylvanians afford coverage?

• Will he reverse cuts to SNAP that threaten food assistance for more than 120,000 people in his district?

• Will he support policies that actually lower electricity bills for Pennsylvania families?

• And will he acknowledge the impact of the Republican Tax Law he supported on the working families he represents?

Pennsylvanians don't need another politician telling them that their bills are too high. They need elected officials willing to take responsibility for the policies they voted for — and fight to make life more affordable.

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