Most sweeping healthcare legislation in over 45 years passed, says NBCSL

Representative Calvin Smyre (GA), President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), applauds the passage of the Health Care Reform Act and issues the following statement.

“Late yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the most sweeping healthcare legislation in over 45 years.”

“The bill represents a momentous accomplishment in that it expands health coverage, reforms the practices of the insurance industry and helps to contain spiraling healthcare costs. This goes a long way towards providing what should be a basic fundamental right to the uninsured and securing the financial prosperity of the middle class.”

“While we strongly support and celebrate the passing of this legislation, we must temper our celebrations because the struggle continues. Presently, resolutions and bills have been introduced in the legislatures of thirty-six states to circumscribe or outright oppose the new health measures. Two states have already enacted laws to that effect. Many states are concerned about the financial burdens that will likely ensue due to Medicaid expansion. It is against this backdrop that we must vigilantly continue our efforts to ensure the implementation of healthcare reform to provide much needed relief to our citizens and constituents. We thank our members and supporters for their steadfast efforts in making healthcare reform a reality, but we also ask that they remain vocal in their support as the new legislation is implemented.”