LOMA LINDA, CA - Today, Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23) voted against legislation to lower insurance premiums for working families across California’s 23rd Congressional District. Rep. Obernolte’s vote is costing many families $500, $800, or even $1,000 more per month and forcing difficult choices between healthcare, rent, and groceries. Following the vote, Dr. Karen Matthews, Independent candidate for Congress, released the following statement:

“Today was the moment that mattered, and Congressman Obernolte’s vote tells you everything you need to know about who he values. And it’s not the families in California’s 23rd District. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when healthcare gets too expensive. People ration medicine. Patients delay care. Families fall behind. I’m running for Congress because people in this district deserve someone who lives their reality, who understands that one soaring bill can be the difference between staying afloat and falling under water. When I get to Congress, I will vote every day to make life more affordable, not harder.”

Born in Loma Linda, Karen Matthews earned her degree in physical therapy, became a doctor, and joined the U.S. Navy, serving for 22 years. She rose through the ranks as a radiologist, preventive medicine specialist, data systems innovator, global health leader, and senior policy advisor at the Department of Health and Human Services, working at the Pentagon helping lead the Navy’s health tech modernization to deliver care more efficiently and save taxpayer dollars. After leaving the Navy, Dr. Matthews started a small business to help veterans get the benefits they deserve. Dr. Matthews is now running for Congress to fix the broken status quo that has caused rising rent, higher costs, and paychecks that aren’t keeping up for families across California’s 23rd Congressional district. To learn more, visit www.MatthewsforCongress.com.  

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