As U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, enters another highly contested congressional race, plenty of liberals and conservatives are expressing dissatisfaction with her actions.
With all the ruckus, it’s easy to lose track of the valuable contributions she’s made to support us in the Third Congressional District.
Marie is working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to lower health care costs and to expand rural access. She co-led the Bipartisan Health Insurance Affordability Act to prevent Affordable Care Act premium spikes and protect affordable health care. This bill would extend enhanced premium tax credits through 2027, protecting people from abrupt monthly cost increases. It would expand access to Health Savings Accounts and simplify premium payments to reduce disruptions in coverage. The bill would also update eligibility and introduce a reasonable minimum contribution to protect long-term affordability.
She has worked to help expand the healthcare workforce. She co-led the ProblemSolvers endorsement of the GROWTH Act (Grants for Resources in Occupational and Workforce Training for Healthcare), which would increase grant funding opportunities for nursing programs at community colleges.
Marie has also advocated for expanded childcare options, introducing the Expanding Child Care in Rural America (ECRA) Act, and exploring how to expand quality childcare access in “off hours” for parents who don’t work 9-5 schedules.
More than ever, stepping away from entrenched political wrangling makes sense.
Marie is committed to building bridges, working with others to make life better for us all. She is still the best choice for District 3.
Laurie Huffman
Vancouver
