Maurice Hinchey Statement on Health Care Reform Bill Passage

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has released the following statement regarding House passage of the health care reform bill. The congressman voted in favor of the legislation.

“Tonight, our country took a bold step forward in the effort to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health insurance. While this bill does not go as far I would have preferred, it nevertheless represents the most significant and positive piece of health care reform legislation since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. My vote in favor of this bill is one of the most important votes I have cast during my time in Congress.

“For years, I have listened to stories from upstate New Yorkers who have struggled with the rising cost of premiums and an endless stream of deductibles, co-pays and fees. I have talked with small business owners who struggle to provide good benefits to their employees, but have remained powerless in the face of rising costs in a broken health care marketplace. I have heard from seniors who still find it hard to afford the life-saving prescription drugs they need. And even more concerning are the countless stories from those who have fallen ill and then into bankruptcy or other difficult circumstances – even though they thought they had good coverage. Now, after two generations of waiting, those who have carried the physical pain and economic burden of our broken health care system will finally begin to see the relief they so desperately need. Read more

Prayers for Dame Elizabeth Taylor

One of the great actresses of Hollywood’s golden years, Dame Elizabeth Taylor announced last Tuesday that she was going into the hospital to undergo a heart surgery and she’s asking for our prayers.

Liz Taylor as what her friends call her was diagnosed with congestive heart failure five years ago and also has suffered severe back problems and a benign brain tumor operation.

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