By TIM CARPENTER
Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — An advocacy group supportive of the Affordable Care Act and opposed to escalation of medicine prices launched a $5 million campaign lauding the work of U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and seven other House Democrats.
Protect Our Care, a Democratic leaning organization with former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as an advisory board member, made the investment in House swing districts in recognition of the bipartisan appeal of reform designed to control the cost of medical services.
The commercial for Davids highlights her support for a law that went into effect this year banning surprise medical bills, her advocacy for a $35 per month cap on the cost of insulin that passed the U.S. House in March and her backing of legislation granting Medicare officials authority to negotiate lower medication prices.
“Americans want Congress to get things done and lawmakers like Rep. Davids are working to lower premium costs, reduce drug prices, expand coverage and improve health care for families across the nation,” said Leslie Dach, chair of Protect Our Care.
Sebelius was secretary of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department from 2009 through 2014, a period featuring introduction of the ACA by President Barack Obama. She said Davids stood up in Congress for working people by championing the lowering of health care expenditures.
“Lawmakers like Rep. Davids are delivering real results, working across the aisle when they can,” Sebelius said. “They will not stop until every American can afford quality health care.”
Ads in the Protect Our Care series were created for broadcast and cable television, streaming services and digital platforms.
Davids, who serves the 3rd District of Johnson and Wyandotte counties, is seeking re-election in November. The new congressional district map, which is under legal challenge, would remove the northern half of Wyandotte County from the district for benefit of likely Republican nominee Amanda Adkins.
Adkins, who worked in the administration of Gov. Sam Brownback, recently received an endorsement of former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who served in the administration of President Donald Trump. Haley’s endorsement was packaged with criticism of President Joe Biden.
“As a businesswoman, Amanda Adkins knows how to make tough decisions and as a mom she knows D.C. needs a dose of Kansas commonsense,” Haley said. “She’s never shied away from standing up for freedom and truth. She’s exactly the type of leader we need to reverse Biden’s failed policies. I can’t wait to see her shake up Washington.”