Message from Tom Perriello

With yesterday’s historic ruling by the Supreme Court that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional, former Congressman Tom Perriello sent out this note to remind people that “It Was All Worth It.”

Friends,

It has been awhile since I have written to you, but today’s victory deserves a moment of reflection and I wanted to thank all those who made it possible.

Today’s victory at the Supreme Court belongs to all of us.

The dream of universal, affordable health care has cleared its final hurdle, and every one of you owns a piece of that history. Today the American people won, and the US Constitution once again survived the attacks of Confederationists.

Because of you, 30 million Americans will have access to health insurance and lower premiums.

Because of you, small businesses and individuals will be able to get the same low rates as bigger companies.

Because of you, we renewed the promise of Medicare for our seniors, and helped make preventative care free and prescription drugs affordable.

Because of you, young people trying to enter the workforce or pick up a degree can stay on their parents insurance.

Because of you, being a woman is no longer considered a pre-existing condition. They cannot be charged as much as 45% more for the same insurance, and plans must cover contraception and pre and postnatal care.

Because of you, we have given power back to patients and doctors — instead of health insurance companies — to make your health care decisions.

Because of you, I got the chance to be one of the deciding votes to pass this historic legislation.

As you may know, I am still fighting for affordable health care, energy independence, and economic fairness, now as President of Center for American Progress Action. We are fighting every day for an economy that works for all Americans, and not just the few, for a democracy that represents all Americans and not just the few. I am going to keep bringing the lessons I learned from the people of Central and Southside Virginia into the great challenges our nation faces today. You can keep following my work day-to-day and give me feedback on Twitter as we fight to revive the American Dream for a new generation.

Because of you, millions of Americans will wake up tomorrow with the shroud of uncertainty lifted. Only with your support could a democratically elected Congress and president come forward to solve one of the greatest challenges of our time. And a deeply conservative Supreme Court Justice put defending the Constitution ahead of partisan gain.

Take a moment to enjoy today’s news. This is why we fought so hard. Together.

Yours in the fight for fairness,

Tom