Senator Snowe supports Public Plan July 18 Health & Justice March in Portland Maine

Comment

Comment by al rogers on September 25, 2009 at 10:43pm

Cheryl Leaman, a staffer from Senator Snowe's office, reads a statement by Senator Snowe at the Maine Health & Justice march in Portland on July 18th, the largest march in Maine's history for health care reform. In the statement, written by the Senator herself, she expresses support of a public health plan option as integral to true reform.
Transcription of Senator Snowe's statements supporting the public plan option below:

4:07 - 4:47 "Congress must implement long overdue insurance market reforms such as the guaranteed issue of a policy for every American and no refusal or adverse pricing of policies on the basis of health status or gender. We also must insure that those plans include a very strong benefit package, from preventative services to comprehensive medical benefits. And offering extra assistance to families who need help in affording a plan must be part and parcel of any legislation."

4:48 - 5:08 "I believe that the reforms we are creating will result in more competitive, affordable and innovative options for Mainers, yet we can all agree that we must not leave universal access to chance. That is why I also support a public plan which must be available from day one."

5:08 - 5:28 - loud cheering from crowd

5:29 - 5:53 "So I urge all of you here today to join me in partnership to secure for our nation that which every other developed nation already embraces, the provision of health security for all of its' citizens. The time has long come, and I promise you I will continue to work to move heaven and earth to make it happen."

Thanks to the Maine Video Activists Network for footage of the rally