Conner strongly supports Arkansas Works.

He will fight every effort to repeal the private option, known as “Arkansas Works.”  The program has received overwhelming bi-partisan support since implementation in 2013. Democratic Governor Mike Beebe and Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson supported and advocated for implementation and subsequent renewals.

• Arkansas Works has provided more than 250,000 working Arkansans health insurance, and has been a lifeline to our rural hospitals.

• It has drastically cut uncompensated care costs –that have burdened all of our hospitals for far too long– and meant over $1 billion in positive economic output for Arkansas since its implementation.

• We no longer have a system in which someone can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

• Individuals can’t be refused insurance or forced to file for bankruptcy.

• Providing access to more cost-effective care is better for the entire system than forcing uninsured people to rely on the emergency room.

• Senator Boozman wants to destabilize our state and the lives of so many Arkansans by repealing Arkansas Works.   Boozman’s radical agenda would defy the will of the people of Arkansas, the Republican majorities in both chambers of our state legislature and his own Republican Governor.

There is still work to be done.  We must work smartly to bring down health insurance premiums and provide meaningful relief to help our small businesses.  By increasing tax credits for small businesses who provide healthcare for their employees; Providing affordable healthcare and fostering job creation are not mutually exclusive initiatives.