(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, praised the announcement by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that Washington state will receive more than $128 million in grants to help families access high quality, affordable health care. These investments will help Washington state establish Affordable Insurance Exchanges.  Starting in 2014, Affordable Insurance Exchanges will help consumers and small businesses in every state to choose a private health insurance plan. In total, HHS today awarded over $181 million in grants to states -- including Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

“I’m so pleased this investment is being made in Washington state to help provide greater access to health care coverage,” said Senator Murray. “I am also grateful Governor Gregoire has been on the forefront when it comes to ensuring this program is implemented in our state. Increasing access to quality health care was one of my primary goals when helping to create the Affordable Care Act and this investment will help Washington state continue leading the way toward meeting that goal.”

For more information on the Washington Affordable Insurance Exchange Grants, click here.