PHILADELPHIA PA, January 17, 2007 – Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issues the following statement in support of Governor Edward G. Rendell’s proposal today for universal health insurance and improvements in the quality of healthcare for all Pennsylvanians:

“I strongly support Governor Rendell’s ‘Prescription for Pennsylvania’ to provide comprehensive healthcare and health insurance coverage. The Governor has crafted a bold and far reaching plan that lays aside the special interests in favor of the most general interest of all: the health of all Pennsylvanians, especially the nearly one million adults and children who are uninsured.

“The Governor’s ‘Prescription’ will have enormous impact in Philadelphia, both on its uninsured citizens and its often financially strapped hospitals. We know that improving healthcare has the power to improve education, economic development and the future of our city and its residents. 

“In the spirit of problem solving and reform that is already evident in the first days of the 110th Congress, I am prepared to work with Governor Rendell to provide whatever is needed, in terms of resources and regulatory reform, at the federal level. The Governor, and Pennsylvania, have an opportunity to lead by example in the long-overdue pursuit of universal health care and coverage.”