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Tag: U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer

U.S. Senator Schumer On Health Care Reform Passage

Message From U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer On Health Care Reform Passage:
I hope I’m not bothering you by sending this message so close to the holidays, but I wanted to let you know the news right away: The Senate finally passed a health care reform bill this morning.

The bill is based on the agreement we reached last weekend, and the next step will be to combine it with the version the House passed so both chambers can vote on a final version.

As I’ve said, this bill is not perfect. A strong, level-playing-field public option would have done more to help keep costs down. But we’re going to stop the worst of the premium increases, impose tough new rules on the insurance companies, and extend coverage to millions.

That’s a pretty big achievement any way you look at it.

So thank you for your support this year. I’ll be in touch soon with more.

Happy holidays,
Chuck Schumer

A Note From U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer On Health Care Reform

schumer hc

Dear Mr. Silverstein:

Thank you for contacting me and expressing your support for government-run public option in health care reform. I wholeheartedly agree that a public option will help enhance access to quality and affordable health care for every American.

Our country is facing a crisis in health care. The cost of health insurance is skyrocketing, and too many New York families are caught in the middle. Like you, I believe it is absolutely unacceptable that more than forty-six million Americans do not have health care coverage. Both the health of our citizens and the health of our nation are at stake, and we must act soon.

I strongly support the establishment of a public health insurance option which would create a not-for-profit insurance plan, started by the government, which would compete on a level playing field with existing private health insurance plans. Because the public health insurance option would be not-for-profit, it should require lower premiums and, therefore, exert downward pressure on the premiums of existing insurance plans. This change is pro-consumer because it adds competition to insurance markets, allowing New Yorkers and all Americans one more choice of affordable and comprehensive health insurance.

Too many Americans are either uninsured or underinsured and Congress must act soon to provide the necessary catalyst we need. The Senate Finance Committee, of which I am a member, is working with all stakeholders in the health care community to develop a strong bill that can help solve our current health crisis.

Thank you for contacting me about this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can ever be of assistance to you on this, or any other matter.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator

Senator Schumer Supports Gay Marriage

New York State’s Senior United States Senator Chuck Schumer came out in support of same sex marriage yesterday. In an email statement Senator Schumer said “It’s time”. “Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it”. Senator Schumer had previously been a supporter of Civil Unions but not gay marriage. Senator Schumer now joins NYC Mayor  Bloomberg, Governor Paterson, and U.S. Senator Gillibrand who all support same sex marriage. NYSYD commends Senator Schumer for switching his position on this issue.