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Statement on CBO Report: "Once again, Republicans are trying to turn lemonade into lemons."

February 5, 2014

Washington, D.C. "Yesterday’s CBO report had good news for every American who has suffered from job-lock – the need to stay in a job in order to have health coverage. With passage of the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans will gain new freedom. They can go back to school to earn a degree that will help them get a better paying job. They can leave a job and start a new business. They can finally retire. Because of Obamacare, Americans will be able to make those choices – and still have affordable access to health insurance.

Once again, Republicans are trying to turn lemonade into lemons. Just as they have worked to block implementation of Obamacare, they are trying to mislead the American public about this report. CBO estimates that there will be a decline in work hours – but makes it crystal clear that reduction will be the result of workers’ choices – not decreased employer hiring. As the report says, “The estimated reduction stems almost entirely from a net decline in the amount of labor that workers choose to supply, rather than from a net drop in businesses’ demand for labor…”

Obamacare gives Americans more choices in their lives – and that is a plus all of us should embrace."

Issues:Health