Representative Paul Mark has spent his career fighting for the people of Western Massachusetts. His commitment to this work is grounded in his blue-collar background. Paul understands and has lived the same challenges that many in our community are facing today. He also knows firsthand the power that opportunities like higher education, a union job, and access to good healthcare can have.
As devastating as COVID-19 has been for our country, our dysfunctional healthcare system has only made matters worse. At the height of the pandemic, thousands of workers in Western Massachusetts lost their jobs, and along with those jobs went health insurance. People put off visiting doctors more than ever, including patients with chronic issues and life-threatening diagnoses. Meanwhile, the opioid epidemic raged on in our district as care options diminished. The conditions of isolation, fear, and grief exacerbated mental health challenges for people, bringing home the urgent need for expanded services in our rural community health centers and more of these services throughout the region. And while Paul was at the forefront of support for the ROE Act, the right to access reproductive healthcare continues to suffer attacks nationally. Paul will fight to make sure that healthcare is accessible, protected, and affordable to all.
Healthcare is a human right. Our healthcare cannot be tied to employment, and getting sick should not mean financial devastation for people. We have a chance to bring healthcare to every person across the Commonwealth—no matter where they live, what their employment status is, or what their health history may be. That’s why Paul is an inaugural member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Medicare for All Caucus and will continue to lead on this issue in the Senate.