Health is more than just the absence of illness; it’s the heartbeat of our shared humanity. Today, working people stand at a crossroads where their dreams are burdened by the unbearable weight of medical debt, fighting for agency over their bodies, and navigating the lingering toll of the pandemic. Yet, one thing remains true: you and your family deserve a more promising future.

Throughout the pandemic, an insurmountable number of medical bills have pilled up for 250,000 Orange County residents. Orange County has nearly $160 million in unobligated SLFR funds from the American Rescue Plan that can be used to solve this problem. With just a fraction of that pool, around $8.7 million, the Commission could wipe out medical debt for county residents.

As a consequence of the unwinding of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, thousands of Floridans were kicked off Medicaid, while the majority of them were still eligible for health coverage. 82% of people lost coverage for simply having outdated contact information or not responding to mail. Families shouldn't have to lose their coverage because of a language barrier or recent move.

And to make matters worse, the Florida Legislature recently passed a six-week abortion ban, which criminalizes the procedure before many even realize they're pregnant. The lack of access to quality health care, medical leave and paid sick days creates logistical nightmares when combined with abortion restrictions. Many will struggle to take time from work for doctor’s appointments and to travel to increasingly limited numbers of clinic options. Some may result in harmful and risky abortion procedures, compromising their own health and well-being without the adequate time they may need to heal. Deciding if, when, and how to raise a family can ultimately affect our earnings, benefits, working conditions, and our ability to thrive within our own communities.

Together, we can forge a new path forward for working families. Your dreams, burdened by the weight of medical debt and the consequences of a changing healthcare landscape, deserve to be untangled. Join us to become architects of change, sculpting a future where health is a birthright, not a privilege.