Many of our Vancouver chapter members vote in Rep. Larsens's district, so this should be good news:

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen

2nd District, Washington

For Immediate Release: March 18, 2010

Contact: Emily Halnon

Cell: 202-480-5626     

Larsen Supports Affordable Health Care Reform for Families and Small Businesses

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement in support of health care reform legislation that will immediately lower the cost of health care for American families and businesses, protect consumers and strengthen Medicare for seniors.

“Health care reform is about instilling common-sense rules of the road to hold insurance companies accountable. We will immediately put an end to their abusive practices like arbitrarily hiking premiums, denying people coverage due to pre-existing conditions, and dropping patients from their plans when they get sick.

“Health care reform will lower the cost of health care and give the power back to the American consumer. It preserves choice and creates competition in the insurance market. If you like your plan, you can keep your plan. If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. If you change jobs, you can keep your coverage.

“The skyrocketing cost of health care is forcing small businesses to choose between health care and hiring. This bill will provide much-needed financial relief to small business owners by offering them tax credits when they purchase coverage for their employees. Small businesses are the engine of job growth in this country and in this economy we need them to use their dollars to fuel payrolls—not out of control premiums.

“Health reform means that the Medicare trust fund will be around so seniors can count on their benefits for years to come. This bill will improve their coverage and ensure access to Medicare prescriptions by beginning to close the donut hold this year.

“Today’s CBO report confirms that this bill is fiscally responsible and will reduce the deficit by $138 billion in the decade and by $1.2 trillion in 20 years. This bill will help us build a foundation for long-term future growth by tackling the unsustainable cost of health care and providing much-needed financial relief for families and businesses.

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