Gov. Lee’s Medicaid Stance is not Aligned with MLK’s Legacy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today at Tennessee State University, Dr. William Barber spoke to an audience about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Governor Bill Lee was in the audience and did not answer Dr. Barber’s invitation to stand in support of healthcare for all Tennesseans.  Lenda Sherrell, state director of the Southern Christian Coalition, issued this response:

“We agree with Dr. Barber when he says: ‘There are 740,000 people uninsured – it’s a shame and disgrace for Tennessee not to accept the ACA and put people on healthcare.’

“We urge Gov. Lee, a man of faith, and our state legislators to live their faith by following the example of Jesus Christ who taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We call on our leaders to remember Jesus’ words that ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ Matthew 25:40.

“Tennesseans will die because they don’t have access to quality, affordable health care. Gov. Lee and our state legislators can change this. Until we as a state reclaim and recover the understanding that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and that we all have a stake in each other’s health and well-being, we will not inherit the kingdom of God. Gov. Lee, Tennessee legislators, will you follow in the footsteps of Dr. King’s legacy?”

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