After POTUS’ Signature, Georgia Democrats Highlight Inflation Reduction Act, Blast GOP for Opposing Lower Costs

Today, Georgia Democrats hosted a virtual press conference to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act will lower health care costs, reduce energy costs, and fight inflation without raising taxes a single penny for middle class Georgians – while all eight of Georgia’s House Republicans voted to stand with Big Pharma and special interests instead of Georgia families.

Watch and download footage of the full press conference.

“Yesterday, President Biden’s signature of the Inflation Reduction Act capped off months of intensive efforts by congressional Democrats to get a historic package across the finish line – that boldly takes on special interests to tackle inflation, cuts health care and energy costs for millions of Americans, all without raising taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year.” said Congressman Hank Johnson. “One victory Georgians can be particularly proud of is this legislation’s provisions to finally allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors, and cap the cost of insulin for Medicare recipients who rely on it. Big Pharma has fought tooth and nail to stop these things from ever becoming law. But Democrats fought and secured their passage, and the president’s signature yesterday enshrined them into the books of law.”

“We hoped that Congress would extend these crucial tax credits, or else premiums would spike dramatically for millions of Americans like me. But my husband and I were worried that overwhelming opposition from the GOP and special interests would stop the extension of these tax credits. Thankfully, Democrats delivered with the Inflation Reduction Act, which extends those crucial tax credits that more than 600,000 Georgians like me and my husband rely on to afford health insurance.” said Cindy Pursley, a Newnan beneficiary of the ACA’s premium subsidies. “Despite all of these wins for Georgia families like ours, all eight of Georgia’s GOP representatives voted NO. The GOP voted no on lowering costs for Georgia families. They voted no on reducing prescription drug costs. They voted no on saving Georgia families hundreds each year on their energy bills. And they voted no on making health insurance more affordable for people like me and my husband.”

“I now rely on Medicare for my health care – and it’s a terrific program. It’s essentially changed my life in many ways. As a retired artist, I still have difficulty at times affording my medications… with this bill, with the $2,000 cap, that would save me $1,700 bucks. That’s, to me, a pretty big deal.” said Trevor Irvin, an Atlanta retiree on Medicare. “Finally, Medicare being able to negotiate with insurance companies is probably one of the most important things that’s happened in 30 years, and it’s definitely one of the most important things that’s happened in my lifetime for me personally. It’s an incredible bill, and it’s very important. And I am so glad it’s happened.”

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