Representative Calvin Smyre (GA), President of the National Black Caucus
of State Legislators (NBCSL) issues the following statement in support
of healthcare reform bill pending in Congress.
“Within the next 72 hours, Congress is scheduled to vote on the most
ambitious overhaul of the healthcare system in decades. We urge our
members and affiliates to support this bill. With healthcare costs
eating up an increasing share of household incomes and GDP something
must be done to preserve the economic security and well being of
American citizens.
“While some have qualms with the bill, we mustn’t allow the perfect to
be the enemy of the good. The bill as it stands will increase
accessibility and affordability of healthcare. Additionally, it will end
egregious practices such as the denial of care for pre existing
conditions. This is not only a question of economics; it is also a moral
imperative to strengthen the social safety net of American citizens,
something that has long been ignored.”