Washington, D.C. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva released the following statement this morning following the Arizona State Legislature’s passage yesterday of a bill to expand Medicaid eligibility through the Affordable Care Act.

“Over the last few years, an ideological governor and Legislature ignored economic common sense and the will of the voters and chipped away at our health care programs. Yesterday they realized that illness and injury don’t care about politics. The simple facts have prevailed, and our state will be much better for it.

“The people of Arizona have been fighting for the right to basic health since long before they voted to expand Medicaid in 2000. I’m very glad the Legislature considered the economic consequences of forcing sick people to seek care in emergency rooms and made the right decision. Improving access to quality health care is an issue that should unite people in this country, not divide them. Yesterday’s move unites us.

“I am proud and very happy that Arizona has taken this momentous step forward. I hope this is a sign of things to come.”