WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) issued a strong statement in support of President Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress tonight on the need for health care reform.

“Health care affordability and accessibility are issues that will touch every American at some point in his or her life, directly or indirectly. When that time comes, it should be met with dignity, not disgrace. In the past several weeks, the problems with our health care system have been clouded by rhetoric and political maneuvering, designed to distract our attention from the painstaking matter at hand: America needs comprehensive health care reform now.

This struggle resonates in places like New York. During the past eight years, families have seen their health insurance premiums outpace their wages sevenfold. In Kings County alone, there are 300,000 uninsured residents who have grappled with heart-wrenching decisions like, “Do I purchase food for my family, or do I pay health care premiums?” No one in this great country should ever be forced to make such a decision.

We have a once in a generation opportunity to fix our broken health care system. Currently, the U.S. House of Representative is considering a plan that would provide greater access to high quality, affordable health care that will drive down costs and put patients and doctors back in charge, not the insurance companies. Through this comprehensive plan, we can focus on preventive medicine; guarantee doctor preference; create a mechanism for people to keep their insurance, regardless of unemployment or job changes; and, remove combative obstacles to coverage.

By fixing these broken pieces in our health care system, we enable people to maintain their dignity during, what can be, the most vulnerable and difficult time in their lives.”

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