After Release Of New Survey On Latino Health Concerns, Sen. Schumer Says Senate Democrats Are United In Protecting The Future Of Healthcare

Washington, D.C. — Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía, today used the results of a new UnidosUS poll on Latino health concerns to call for Senate Democrats to continue fighting against Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court in order to protect the future of healthcare.  

The confluence of the coronavirus pandemic, a presidential election, and a Supreme Court vacancy have left Hispanics fearful and worried for their health and for the future, Senators and Murguía said in a press call on Wednesday morning, with concerns over the course of the pandemic, the fate of the Affordable Care Act, and how to re-open schools safely among the most pressing issues for Latinos. 

“Latinos’ healthcare is at risk, as millions of families, including children, stand to lose coverage and vital protections if the Trump Administration succeeds at overturning the ACA” said Senator Schumer. Today’s findings confirm a sad reality of fear among Latino families across the nation who face this very real danger, all during a deadly global pandemic and economic crisis that is disproportionally affecting communities of color. While alarming, it is not surprising to see a majority of Latinos concerned about their healthcare, especially since Latinos have experienced the largest coverage gains under the ACA of any ethnic group. That’s why this week and beyond, Senate Democrats are united in protecting the future of healthcare. But make no mistake: Senators who vote Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court are also voting to take healthcare from over 5 million Latinos in America.”  

“The Latino community is currently facing the dual threat of the coronavirus pandemic and losing their access to health care as the Trump Administration attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. As this poll shows, these issues are weighing heavily on Latino families, who have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we will continue fighting tooth and nail against Amy Coney Barrett’s appointment to the Supreme Court and against this Administration’s efforts to strip Americans of affordable care. The stakes could not be higher for the Latino community,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“There is so much at stake for our community and Latinos are going into this election with health on our minds and in our hearts. Sharing findings from our poll is one way we are bringing the voice of the Latino community and its voters, one of the fastest and continually growing segments of the electorate, to the attention of policymakers,” said Murguía. “This information is critical both as we head into the election, but also to educate legislators on the actions they need to take well beyond the election.”

Latinos make up 18 percent of the total U.S. population, but represent about 30 percent of all COVID-19 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that Latinos are 4.6 times more likely to be hospitalized from the virus, compared to Non-Hispanic whites. It comes as no surprise then, that health care is at the forefront of Latino voters’ concerns. According the poll, more than 60 percent of Latino voters believe the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is yet to come, and the overwhelming majority are concerned about the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning the Affordable Care Act.

Other findings of the poll, which was conducted by Latino Decisions on behalf of UnidosUS (formerly known as National Council of La Raza), the nation’s largest civil rights and advocacy organization, include:  

·       61 percent of Latinos believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come. 

·       83 percent are concerned about losing ACA protections for pre-existing conditions. 

·       89 percent are concerned about the Supreme Court striking down the entire ACA. 

·       85 percent are worried that school re-openings will lead to more children getting sick, 91 percent support funding in a future congressional relief package to make schools safer and mitigate the risk of catching the virus. 

·       65 percent don’t trust President Trump when it comes to accurate information about the development and safety of a vaccine. 

·       95 percent of Latinos recognize the need to practice social distancing, 93 percent support mask wearing and 96 percent support avoiding large crowds. 

“We know that when our children are healthy, they are positioned for brighter futures,” Murguía said. “When our workers are healthy, they are better able to contribute; and when the Latino community is healthy, our nation is healthier and more economically secure.” 

The poll, which includes breakouts for Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, and Texas, was conducted on behalf of UnidosUS by Latino Decisions from Oct. 3-10 with 1,304 Latino registered voters. The poll has a margin of error of 2.7 percent. Full results are available here. 

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