As CEO of Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta, I understand the financial challenges of managing a rural hospital.

Being ready for all types of emergencies 24/7 with trained medical professionals and necessary lifesaving technology is expensive. Yet many of the hardworking folks in our community cannot afford health insurance and understand how crippling an unexpected diagnosis or emergency can be for families' finances.

Voting YES on State Question 802 on June 30 would provide an economic shot in the arm for the people in our community, our hospital and our state.

What if I told you SQ 802 would inject more than $1 billion into Oklahoma's economy? SQ 802 would provide health insurance to single adults making less than $17,236 annually and families of four earning less than $35,535.

In addition to providing access to care for nearly 200,000 Oklahomans, it would create 369 more jobs in Okmulgee County and surrounding counties.

This is possible by a 9:1 match from the federal government.

Since 2014, Oklahoma's leaders' reluctance to bring home our tax dollars from Washington, D.C. to invest in our communities has cost us more than $1 billion every single year. In the past legislative session, a funding package was put forward to expand Medicaid that was vetoed by the governor.

These are the same dollars that 36 other states already bring back to their states for health care and to boost their economy.

I am so proud to work alongside caring hospital employees and medical staff. We all know neighbors in our community who would not have survived without lifesaving care rendered by local health care professionals.

In this time of economic downturn and COVID-19, it has never been more important for Oklahomans to vote to bring back federal funding for the economic and physical health of their communities and the sustainability of Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta.

The election is June 30.

I urge you to vote for State Question 802.