Congressman Himes - Petition
(421 signataires)
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Congressman Himes, We are not trying to make a political statement, or to stoke partisan flames, rather we would like to express the view of your constituents regarding the current health care debate. We are signing this not based on any party affiliation, nor whom we have supported in the past, but because the proposal currently under discussion will affect us all. While we agree that health care is a pressing issue which needs to be addressed, we also realize that it is a very complicated problem which will require an incredible amount of effort and thought in order to properly work through the myriad of issues presented. It is for this reason that we do not want to rush through this process. Too much money, and too many lives are at risk for things to be done in a way which is not fully thought out and considered. The problems are even more complicated because health care is inextricably entwined with other issues, such as illegal immigration. The defeat of the Heller amendment allows illegal immigrants to receive government-subsidized health care, meaning that those of us paying taxes will be paying for it. While there is much truth to the saying, "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" in these days of state, local, personal and federal economic issues perhaps taxing citizens to support illegal immigrants is not the best course. The non - partisan CBO, which was formerly led by Peter Orszag before he became Director of the Office of Management and Budget for President Obama, has twice challenged the fiscal premise underlying the current health care bill. They have stated the House health plan would actually increase the budget deficit by $239 billion over ten years. They followed up in a letter to Majority Leader Hoyer with, "In CBO's judgment, the probability is high that no savings would be realized.....CBO estimates that enacting the proposal, as drafted, would yield savings of $2 billion over the 2010-2019 period." This compares with the $239 billion required in order to not add a dime to the deficit over the next ten years as the President as stated. Our government has recently taken remarkable steps into the uncharted water of private industry with the take over of GM and Chrysler; are we certain that we want to also get into the health insurance business? There is certainly debate going on about what impact this will or will not have on the existing insurance companies. Will the government crowd out the private insurers with which many of us are happy? That answer is not clear at this time, which again argues for a delay in the implementation of this proposal so that we may shed more light on this critical issue. If we look to history as our guide, the prospects are daunting. There is no question about the outcome of medicare and medicaid vs the predictions when they were being rolled out. While we can not afford to do nothing, we certainly can not afford to miss the estimates as we did then. With the growth in population, the demographics of an aging society and the current burden on our economy as a result of the unprecedented government spending; it is essential that we get this right the first time. We want to ensure that our voices are heard, we do not want to rush this legislation. Getting it done right is much better than getting it done right now, so please do not vote in favor of the House bill as it stands now; rather allow more discussion and a full analysis of the issues and solutions that are required. Thank you, |
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