Statement by Governor Pat Quinn on Senate Passage of Senate Bill 26

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn released the following statement on the Illinois Senate's passage of Senate Bill 26 to increase access to health coverage:

"I thank Senate President John Cullerton, Senator Heather Steans and everyone in the Illinois Senate who voted today to increase access to health coverage for the uninsured under President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act.

"Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right. We strongly support the Affordable Care Act, which will improve the health of hundreds of thousands of people across Illinois, strengthen our healthcare system and create thousands of good jobs in the healthcare field.

"I urge the Illinois House to also pass Senate Bill 26 and make the promise of the Affordable Care Act a reality in Illinois."