SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE TAKES CRITICAL STEP TOWARDS REFORM: Health Care Legislation Still Needs Public Option
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Martha Patzer
www.lwv.org (202) 263-1332
October 13, 2009 [email protected]
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE TAKES CRITICAL STEP TOWARDS REFORM
Health Care Legislation Still Needs Public Option
Washington, DC – Today national League of Women Voters President Mary G. Wilson issued the following statement on the Senate Finance Committee’s passage of its version of health care reform:
“The League recognizes that the Senate Finance Committee has taken a critical step in the battle for health care reform today, overcoming one of the major roadblocks to final passage.
“While we are disappointed that the final Finance Committee bill does not include a public option element, the committee’s vote today paves the way for meaningful Senate action, and we remain optimistic that the legislation that will ultimately reach the President’s desk will include a public option.
“As they move forward, Senators must recognize the fact that we can no longer afford to let special interests and the nay-sayers stand in the way of reform.
“Our current health care system is endangering our economy and our health, and we appreciate the work of the committee in moving forward on health care reform legislation, allowing it to be considered by the full Senate. However, Congress needs to pass comprehensive health care reform that includes the public option.
The public option would increase consumer choice and lower health care costs; it will make it possible for Americans who cannot obtain coverage through traditional employer-sponsored plans to find coverage at a reasonable cost.
“As a nation, we are spending $1 out of every $6 we earn on health care. Offering everyone the choice of a government administered health insurance plan like Medicare that would compete with private health insurance plans is key to lowering costs and providing real choice to consumers.”