Leadership Makes a Difference.
House and Senate Leaders support Governor Baldacci's efforts to bring health care to all Maine citizens.

Consumers for Affordable Health Care says "thank you" to legislative leadership, for there support of a health coverage plan for all Mainers!

On Friday, May 9th, during a legislative breakfast held by Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Senate President Beverly Daggett and Speaker of the House Patrick Colwell opened by sharing their thoughts and postions on the Governor's health reform plan, Dirigo Health.

Both President Daggett and Speaker Colwell indicated their support of the Governor's intention to cover every Maine citizen. They urged fellow legislators, organizations, and policy experts in the audience to continue their efforts toward a timely review and possible enactment of the plan.

Opponents of the Governor's plan have attempted to slow the momentum toward reform, by saying more studies and more time is needed before Mainer's have health care relief. Some legislators are hoping to "carry over" the plan until next years legislative session.

President Daggett and Speaker Colwell each responed to opponents messages by reminding the audience that there have been countless studies done in Maine alone, which explore the problems of, and solutions for, our uninsured and underinsured citizens. Mainers cannot continue to wait for quality health care that they can afford!

Both legislative leaders made it very clear that whatever work needs to be done on the official bill should be conducted at a pace which reflects the urgency felt by the uninsured and underinsured people of Maine. During a presentation on the particulars of the Governor's plan, Joe Ditre of Consumers for Affordable Health Care (and member of the Health Action Team), referred to a small business owner telling him that not only do they need health care relief now in order to stay in business--but that they need health care relief by two years ago! The time for studies is over - now it's time to act on what we've learned.

For more information or to get involved, call Consumers for Affordable Heatlh Care at
1-800-838-0388

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