120 House Members INSIST On A Strong Public Option!

[kpete]

CAPAC, CBC, CHC, CPC: A ROBUST PUBLIC OPTION A MUST

(Washington DC) - Members of the Congressional TriCaucus - comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus - along with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which together make up nearly 120 Members of the House and Senate, today held a press conference to reiterate their call that any Health Care reform must include a public health plan option.

"Today, over 46 million Americans do not have health care coverage. More than 30% of Latinos are uninsured, even though we comprise only 15% of the nation's population," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez (NY-12), Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus." Whether it's the graduate student who can't afford to pay for coverage or the homeless mother and her two children that are going from one relative's home to another, we must ensure that all Americans have access to coverage. A public plan option has the potential to promote competition, help bring down costs and increase coverage for all Americans."

"We cannot move forward without a strong public option," stated Congressman Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. "Health care costs are skyrocketing for everyone, and our health is worsening. It is time that we attain health care reform that prioritizes and alleviates the financial burden on families."

"The benefits of a public health plan are clear. A public health plan will guarantee coverage regardless of pre-existing condition. A public health plan will give patients a choice of doctors and hospitals. And a public health plan will build in incentives for private insurers to lower costs to compete," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. "When it comes to the public plan, know that the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus speak with one voice."

more:
http://cpc.grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?ContentID=446&ParentID=0&SectionID=66&SectionTree=66&lnk=b&ItemID=444
via: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/6/25/746663/-120-House-Members-INSIST-On-A-Strong-Public-Option!

[pleah]

1. K&R

[liberal N proud]

2. Still lower percent than public opinion

Glad to hear there is a voice, it just needs be larger.

[Why Syzygy]

3. The news story is

the House is resolved. Senators are the ones holding it up. Per Ed Schultz/guest.

[Joanne98]

4. They put together 4 Causues

Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus - along with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which together make up nearly 120 Members of the House and Senate

[Bigmack]

5. What I don't see - hear - ANYONE pointing out is that

the government could raise MOST folks taxes thousands of dollars a year to pay for a public health option, and most of us would STILL save $. My husband and I are both retired, and we STILL pay about $6,000 a year for health care coverage, between medicare taken out of social security and the necessary supplement insurance! So IF there was a European style single-payer, public health plan, the government could raise our taxes $6,000 a year, and, what with co-pays, etc. - we'd STILL save money. I suspect that this is true for the VAST majority of insured Americans. Ms Bigmack

[chill_wind]

6. K & R n/t

[robinlynne]

7. great news! I'm sick and tired of hearing about the 11 "centrists" or the blue dogs

who ahve a coalition with the yellow dogs. Now you're talking!

[bvar22]

8. There ARE still some Democrats left in the Democratic Party !

About 120 of them. :)

[Lifelong Protester]

9. Glad to see this

I have contacted my senators (Kohl, Feingold) and my Congressman (Kind) and told them in no uncertain terms that we MUST have a public option, and really I believe, Medicare for all. I have heard from Feingold and it sounds like he is on board. Kind understands we need reform, but in the main he was giving me the "all Americans can keep their employer-based health care if they want" line to which I replied, "HEY, look around! A lot of folks don't have an employer right now, and even if they do, those health insurance benefits are either being removed or reduced".

Get with the program, Congress!

Happy to see that some good caucus coalitions are being formed for this. Keep up the drum beat, NOW is the time!