DNC Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman issues statement praising President Obama's bipartisan meeting

DNC Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Iris Y. Martinez issued the following statement following President Obama's bipartisan meeting for health reform:

"Today's discussion was an encouraging step in the fight for health insurance reform.  I commend the President for his continued leadership on the issue, which is a top priority for Latinos. Our community is disproportionately affected by lack of health insurance and insurers' unscrupulous practices – which is why Latinos and all Americans need health reform now.

"Health reform is deeply personal to Hispanics – one in three Latinos under 65 is uninsured, and health care costs are crushing our families, our businesses, and the country we love. Today, Democrats made the case for a comprehensive approach that lowers costs, increases coverage and curbs unfair and discriminatory insurance industry practices. Our communities support President Obama's agenda for change; we need health insurance reform now, and we call on Republicans to work in earnest with President Obama on a bill that provides quality, affordable health care for all Americans."