EDITOR:

When will Mr. Bergman learn?

It must be campaign season. Why else are we suddenly hearing from Representative Bergman almost weekly? In his most recent communication, Mr. Bergman noted that Manistique, Alger, Schoolcraft, and Charlevoix counties were successful recipients of USDA Rural Development funds to assist in purchasing vehicles for emergency services in the First District.

Specifically, he stated, “I applaud USDA and the Trump Administration for realizing the importance of our rural communities and prioritizing these investments in the First District.”

His hypocrisy is overwhelming. We all remember that Mr. Bergman voted to approve the American Health Care Act of 2017 that would have had a dire impact on Michigan’s 1st District. Many highly respected organizations, including the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy, the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Wall Street Journal, the George Washington University Department of Health Policy and Management, and others determined that the bill would:

— Severely threaten our vulnerable rural hospitals that provide the medical services needed for those being transported in the new vehicles Bergman is suddenly celebrating.

— Increase insurance premiums, making coverage unaffordable for many in our district.

— Jeopardize the health coverage of nearly 44,000 residents by eliminating Medicaid expansion.

— Eliminate emergency services and other essential benefits such as hospitalization, mental health, substance abuse services, and prescription drugs.

For Mr. Bergman to celebrate grant funding for buying emergency vehicles when he voted for a bill that would reduce access and availability of emergency health services in communities across the district is the height of hypocrisy. When will Mr. Bergman learn that he may run for office but he cannot hide from his record. We deserve better.