By: Heather Pitre, WHF Health Reform Project Coordinator
After a day of heated debate, and a late-night vote, the health reform bill passed a test vote in the Senate. Just after 1a.m., the roll was called and the vote was 60 to 40. The real vote is tentatively scheduled for 7p.m. on December 24.
“Health care in America ought to be a right, not a privilege,” said Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Democrat of Connecticut. “Since the time of Harry Truman, every Congress, Republican and Democrat, every president, Democrat and Republican, have at least thought about doing this. Some actually tried.”
Republicans say the bill is fatally flawed. Democrats say it’s a place to start and that it’s going to pass. I say it’s high time to do something, and although this bill isn’t perfect it’s better than staying on the collision course we’re on, and it’s better than doing nothing. The bill will cover 30 million people who are currently uninsured. It will also expand Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said that the cost of the bill, estimated at $871 billion, would be more than offset by the new revenues and cuts in spending, and would reduce future federal budget deficits by $132 billion between 2010 and 2019.
So what can you do to help? Call or email your senators. Go to www.HealthiestState.org for more information. We’re getting closer! We’re on the verge of making history. Join us to reform health.




