Here is our letter to the Editors from yesterday's Charlotte Observer:

Plea to McCrory from 75 clergy, others: Accept Medicaid money

Seventy-five concerned N.C. clergy, religious leaders, state representatives, organization leaders and citizens have signed a letter urging Gov. Pat McCrory to accept federal Medicaid funds so the neediest uninsured North Carolinians can get health care.

Refusing Medicaid expansion threatens 500,000 North Carolinians’ health and would increase deaths in the state by 2,000 people per year.

All 500,000 eligible N.C. citizens must have access to Medicaid. Failing to fully expand Medicaid threatens many rural clinics and hospitals.

We ask Gov. McCrory to bring our money back to our state, and give more North Carolinians access to desperately needed health care. It will be better for all of us.

Rabbi Jonathan Freirich

Rev. Dr. Rodney S. Sadler Jr.

Charlotte

Editor’s note: Freirich is Associate Rabbi at Temple Beth El. Sadler is an associate professor at Union Presbyterian Seminary.