Majority of State Chamber of Commerce Board Backs Medicaid Expansion Proposal

Health care expansion is good for business

AUGUSTA—A majority of the members of the Maine Chamber of Commerce supported two to one to accept federal Medicaid dollars to expand health care for 70,000 Mainers.

Of the 37 member board, 18 voted to support the bill, 9 voted against it, and 10 members abstained from the vote.

“It’s no surprise to see strong support for health care among many of Maine’s top business leaders. It’s one more reason why lawmakers should come together do what’s best for Maine people and our economy,” said Speaker of the House Mark Eves of North Berwick. “I hope we can put politics aside to support a good-faith compromise to ensure more Maine families will be able to see a family doctor.”

“This vote is further confirmation that expanding health care is the right thing to do both economically and morally. Healthy people make for a healthy workforce. Maine businesses have spoken clearly: they understand the positive financial impact of gaining $1 million per day in to our economy,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland.

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