|
Your voice is essential in
proposed changes to your health care
By Rep. Dan
Kristiansen
As the president and
Congress prepare a federal health care bill, a national debate is underway on whether or not government should take over health care. People
are overflowing town hall meetings, writing letters, making phone calls
and sending e-mails. Citizens not only want to be heard -- it
is essential they be heard by those elected officials who will be
making the decision on this important issue.
In Olympia, many of my
colleagues and I have received correspondence and multiple phone calls
from constituents concerned about the future of their health care
coverage. As a state representative, I am unable to vote on federal
legislation considered by Congress. However, I believe all of our voices
are important on this issue. That is why I recently joined with other
state representatives to write a letter to our congressional delegation
in Washington, D.C., articulating our concerns.
Here is part of that
letter:
"We agree our health care system is in need of reform. Reform, however,
should not be synonymous with government-run health care or put the
fiscal well being of our nation at risk. We are particularly troubled by
claims that people would be able to keep their current
physicians and health care plans under the Obama proposal. This is
simply not possible, as employers would be forced to cancel health
insurance for employees due to billions, if not trillions, of dollars in
taxes that would be required to implement health care for all. Millions
of Americans could lose their existing health insurance and be forced
into government-run health care under these proposals. There is an
important role for government in health care, but it should be
limited to helping people who truly cannot afford it." (Read the
full letter and our suggestions at:
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/News/Kristiansen/090715a.htm)
Last fall's buzz word was
"change." The most effective change comes from grassroots citizens.
That's why I encourage every individual to speak up in this health care
debate and not let others discourage you to the sidelines. I appreciate
those who have contacted me, but I want to make sure your concerns are
directed to the right people, those who will be taking the actual vote on this
proposed federal health care legislation -- and that is our
congressional delegation who serve this state in Washington, D.C. For
the change you want, please contact them and make your voice heard. I've
included their contact information below.
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Phone: (202) 456-1111
Web site: www.whitehouse.gov
Sen. Patty Murray
173 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2621
Toll-free: (866) 481-9186
Web site: http://murray.senate.gov
Everett office
Phone: (425) 259-6515
Sen. Maria Cantwell
511 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3441
Toll-free: (888) 648-7328
Web site:
http://cantwell.senate.gov
Everett office
Phone: (425) 303-0114
Fax: (425) 303-8351
Congressman Rick Larsen
- District 2
108 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2605
Web site: www.house.gov/larsen
Everett office
Phone: (425) 252-3188
Bellingham office
Phone: (360) 733-4500
Congressman Jay Inslee
- District 1
403 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6311
Web site: www.house.gov/inslee
Shoreline office
Phone: (206) 361-0233
# # #
EDITOR'S NOTE:
State Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish,
represents the 39th Legislative District, and also serves as chairman of
the Washington House Republican Caucus. He can be contacted at (360)
786-7967 or from his Web site at:
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Kristiansen.
For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Senior Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
|