Aug. 21, 2009

Dear friends and neighbors,

It appears Congress may be getting ready to make some important decisions that could affect your ability to receive health care. Judging from the large crowds at many town hall meetings across the nation, people are very concerned about the future of their health care and how they would be affected by a government takeover.

I always appreciate your comments on issues affecting our citizens. In this case, I want to make sure your voice is heard loud and clear by those who will be voting in Washington, D.C. on health care. Please take a moment to read the article below -- and then, using the telephone numbers I have provided, pick up the phone and let your congressional delegation know where you stand on this issue.

It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Dan Kristiansen
State Representative
39th Legislative District

P.S. - When e-mailing me, please do not hit reply to this e-mail as I will not receive the response. Instead, I invite you to click here and e-mail me. Thank you!

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

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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.