David Price: “while some are trying to play down the importance of health care reform, my North Carolina constituents tell me the need…”

“while some are trying to play down the importance of health care reform, my North Carolina constituents tell me the need is real and undeniable. Whether you call it a crisis or some other name, we simply must address our health care problems this year. In January, I held a health care forum in my district; it lasted 12 hours and drew hundreds of people to voice their health care concerns. Many different views were expressed, but the overall message was clear: Our health care system has serious problems that we simply must fix. From the hearing, it is clear that too many North Carolina children receive inadequate care, falling behind in school because of health reasons. Small businesses working to cover their employees face exponential premium increases when other employees become critically ill. And residents of rural and urban areas are denied timely health care by critical shortages of personnel at facilities. We must address these problems with clear goals in view; ensuring all Americans basic health coverage, controlling exploding health care costs, and improving the quality of care, especially preventive care. Health care is a difficult challenge. Though some may try to wish the problem away, I am heartened by President Clinton's resolve in addressing health care reform this year.”