Colorado Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak on Health Care Address to Congress

Contact: Pat Waak
(303) 623-4762 x106 Office
(720) 732-3662 Cell
pwaak@coloradodems.org

September 9, 2009

Democratic Party Chairwoman Waak Says Obama Address to Congress provided an "Overwhelming and Compelling Case" In Support of Health Insurance Reform.

Chairwoman Pat Waak Warns Republicans: Being the Party of No on Health Insurance Reform Just Won't Cut It .

DENVER - Colorado Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak issued the following statement after President Obama's addressed a Joint Session of Congress about his health insurance reform plan.

"Tonight, President Obama made an overwhelming and compelling case to the American people about the need to pass health insurance reform this year.

"The core of his plan is simple: provide more security and stability for people who have insurance, provide quality, affordable care to those who don't, and rein in s kyrocketing costs that are crushing American families, businesses and the government itself.

"The President's plan will protect Coloradans from unfair insurance industry practices. It'll prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against someone for a preexisting condition and it'll stop them from dropping someone's coverage when they get sick and need help the most.

"Too many of Colorado's residents and small businesses are struggling under the high costs of care. Reform will bring down costs, by creating a Health Insurance Exchange – a kind of one stop shop for health plans. It'll also provide new tax credits to help people buy insurance and create a public insurance option to increase competition, lower costs and expand choice. What's more, the President's plan won't add to our deficit - it'll pay for reform upfront – and it takes the best from Democratic and Republican ideas. "

"We are closer than ever to passing comprehensive reform and President Obama has laid out a clear path forward. Unfortunately, Republicans in Colorado have decided to stand in lock-step opposition to reform. They want to maintain the status quo and hurt President Obama politically. Opponents of reform have a choice. They can either stop playing partisan games and come up with their own reform proposal, or they can start explaining to the American people why it's better to stand by and do nothing at all as thousands more Coloradans face skyrocketing costs and lose their coverage every day.  Being th e Party of No on health insurance reform just won't cut it."

"Democrats in Colorado support President Obama's plan for health insurance reform. The time for action is now."
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