Dem senator to GOP: Listen to Kasich on healthcare

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) is advising the GOP to listen to fellow Republican, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, on how to move forward on healthcare.

“Let’s listen to Republican governor John Kasich of Ohio, whose state is also struggling with the opioid crisis,” Shaheen said in the Democrats’ weekly address Saturday.

“He rejects the way Trumpcare would end treatment for people in recovery. I agree with the governor’s call to put politics aside, use common sense, and find common ground. Many of my Republican colleagues in the Senate are also saying: Let’s slow down and work across the aisle.”

{mosads}Kasich has criticized the House GOP’s ObamaCare replacement plan and said lawmakers from both parties should work together on a healthcare plan.

“What’s at risk here to Democrats is you can’t turn your back on these people. And to Republicans, you need to invite Democrats in because we’re talking about lives,” Kasich told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

“All this consumption with who gains politically, you know, life is short. And if all you focus on in life is what’s in it for me, you’re a loser. You are a big time loser. And this country better be careful we’re not losing the soul of our country because we play politics and we forget people who are in need,” he said.

The GOP has faced major pushback for its healthcare plan, from conservatives as well as moderate Republicans, as well as Democrats.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on Monday predicted that the number of people who would lose health insurance under the new plan would increase by 14 million in 2018.

Shaheen in the address said the GOP plan takes the country “in the wrong direction” arguing it will have “tragic consequences” in her home state, which is currently fighting an opioid epidemic.

“In poll after poll, they’re telling us not to end Obamacare but to mend it … keep the most successful parts, and fix what is not working,” she said.

“We need to get this right. And that means Republicans and Democrats working together, keeping our promises, putting people first,” Shaheen added.