Press Release on Pending Health Care Vote

Friends,

Today I sent out the following press release on the anticipated health care reform vote in Congress tomorrow.

"The House is preparing to vote on health care reform legislation this weekend, using dubious procedural tactics to force through a legislative package which will do more harm than good.This bill contains numerous new taxes and fees which will hit middle class workers just when we can afford it least. It imposes a constitutionally questionable mandate which will penalize Americans who may find themselves without health insurance. Many health care professionals have already raised concerns as to whether or not they will be able to stay in business if these changes are implemented. The alleged budget savings claimed by the bill's authors are an illusion. Once Congress adjusts the Medicare reimbursement rates later this year - as they always do - the savings disappear and this bill adds another mountain of debt on the shoulders of the next generation. And for all the clutter contained in this more than two thousand page behemoth, it still fails to address the real, needed targets of health care reform such as vigorous interstate competition in the health insurance industry and much needed tort reform which drives up costs for all of us.

"Maurice Hinchey has already stated that he plans to vote for this bill. I would urge the Congressman in the the strongest terms possible, to rethink this decision. Congress can still deliver the reform we need in the health care system, but a fresh approach is called for. This bill is not the answer, and if Maurice Hinchey votes in favor of it he will be doing a serious disservice to the residents of our district and across the nation."