Biden is promoting the American rescue plan, the Affordable Care Act, at Ohio State University National

(The Center Square) – When President Joe Biden made his first visit to Ohio since taking office on Tuesday, he was criticized for what a political group called unnecessary spending.

Biden visited the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University in Columbus late Tuesday afternoon to announce his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the recently passed US rescue plan.

“The ARP consists of three main parts. First, we will get vaccinations faster enough to vaccinate any American faster than expected. There is a second important part of this plan. It brings relief to a population that is seriously injured, “said Biden, who also said it was Americans’ patriotic duty to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Third, first and foremost, it will give every American $ 1,400. We have also expanded the childcare tax credit. This will change your life. It will do more to end childhood poverty than anything we have ever done. “

However, Columbus-based education and research group The Buckeye Institute challenged the recent redevelopment bill, along with re-emphasis on federal health options.

“Today President Joe Biden comes to Ohio to promote not only the latest unnecessary spending bill – the American Rescue Plan – but the Affordable Care Act, two unified solutions that need not address the unique challenges and problems faced by states,” said Rea S. Hederman Jr., Executive Director of the Economic Research Center and Vice President of Policy at the Buckeye Institute. “These one-size-fits-all solutions will only result in higher taxes and fewer health care opportunities for Ohioans. This is not the recipe Ohio needs to fight the pandemic. “

Biden’s visit to The James was intended to highlight the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and health care support in the $ 1.9 trillion stimulus bill, which was largely partisan earlier this month. The American rescue plan provides for expanded subsidies. White House officials said families will not spend more than 8.5% of their income on health insurance premiums. It also includes assistance from state and local governments if vaccinations continue.

The James received a $ 100 million grant from the ACA 11 years ago to expand cancer facilities along with research and development.

“This place is a source of hope. When I was running, I said I wanted to be the president who led the end of cancer as we know it. It’s within our reach. America does great things, ”said Biden.

Biden said the American bailout plan expands the ACA and makes health care more affordable by covering COBRA payments for the unemployed and other options with free bonuses in the market.

“Four in five Americans who look for plans will find one for less than $ 10 a month,” Biden said. “With the American Rescue Plan and the Affordable Care Act, millions of families can sleep a little better at night knowing they won’t lose everything when they get sick. Health care is a right, not a privilege, in this country. “

Hederman said the plan will prevent Ohio from eliminating potential fraud, but will create barriers to the transition from state health care to employer benefits.

“The American Rescue Plan Act not only sends unnecessary money to states, but it also increases funding for Medicaid while blocking Ohio’s ability to ensure that benefits go only to the needy and deserving, and not to those who are ineligible “said Hederman. “The result here will also hurt the Ohioans by raising the cost of Medicaid to unsustainable levels and discouraging work, making it harder for Medicaid attendees to get back into work and move into personal business.”

Biden also received criticism from Republicans in Ohio for the visit while troubles persist along the country’s southern border.

“There is a crisis on our southern border – today is not the day for a PR tour to bring football to a $ 1.9 trillion relief bill that does next to nothing against COVID-19,” Bob Paduchik, leader of the Ohio Republican Party, said in a statement.