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Conn. House Democrats Push For Healthcare, Paid Family Leave

The Connecticut Capitol Building in Hartford
Johnathon Henninger
The Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford

Connecticut House Democrats told reporters Wednesday they will prioritize passing legislation that protects residents with pre-existing conditions – if the federal Affordable Care Act is repealed.

Sean Scanlon, state representative from Guilford, said he expects 500,000 Connecticut residents with pre-existing conditions would lose their coverage without a state protection.

“That is a significant portion of our population. That’s our friends, that’s our family members, that’s our loved ones and we can’t let that happen.”

Scanlon hopes the bill will help residents avoid a lapse in health insurance coverage.

Democratic lawmakers also seek to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and implement paid family medical leave.