John A. Boccieri: “the American people have asked for common sense in their government, but all too often it is just not that common. You…”

“the American people have asked for common sense in their government, but all too often it is just not that common. You see, our friends on the other side have asked for simplicity, for substance, and for competition in the health care debate, but only in Washington will we argue that competition doesn't reduce costs. Only in Washington will we argue that we haven't had time to read a two-page bill. Only in Washington will we argue process over results for consumers. What does it mean for consumers in Ohio? Well, let me tell you, small businesses in Ohio, their premiums have risen about 129 percent. There are 7.4 million people in Ohio who get their insurance on the job, averaging about $13,000. Small businesses make up 72 percent of all business in Ohio, while only 47 percent of them can afford to offer health insurance for their people. We have seen 400 mergers in the health care industry over the last 14 years, so 95 percent. According to the Department of Justice, health insurance markets are highly concentrated. It means there is collusion. It is simple economics. We increase competition. We lower prices. On this matter, we have to know who we will stand with at this hour. Are we going to stand for families or are we going to stand for monopolies? Are we going to stand for competition or are we going to stand for price-fixing and collusion?”