In This Issue

  • On the Verge of Historic Health Care Reform
  • Protecting Senator Edward Kennedy's Legacy
  • Democratic Dinner - Save the Date, May 7, 2010
  • Humor Break

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    On the Verge of Historic Health Care Reform

    Congress is working to put the final touches on a plan that will improve health care coverage for millions of Americans. This bill transforms our system and will give Americans increased access, affordability and availability to health care. As many of you know, every year Americans are paying more and getting less from insurance companies. The current bill in Congress, while not perfect, brings our nation closer to a better system for all Americans.

    Senator Barbara Boxer said: "There are so many good things in this bill, even though I surely wanted it to be better. But, at the end of the day, this is still a very good bill -- and the most significant reform of America's broken health care system since Medicare was enacted in 1965."

    Among other things, the bill would:

    • Extend health insurance coverage to 31 million more Americans, including 14 million lower-income, working people through Medicaid
    • Prohibit insurance company discrimination based on gender or pre-existing condition -- and make sure you can't lose your insurance when you get sick
    • End the upward, unsustainable increases in insurance premiums
    • Increase funding for community health centers in 10,000 communities across the country, enhancing primary care for more than 25 million people who have traditionally been uninsured or underinsured
    • Close the prescription drug "doughnut hole" for seniors
    • Require insurance companies to spend at least 85% of their income on patient care, not executive pay or profits
    • Cut the federal deficit by $132 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office

    This legislation is about health care in the lives of real people. Millions of Americans who are currently uninsured will gain access to affordable coverage. Parents will have the security and stability of knowing their insurance can't be revoked at a moment's notice. And the skyrocketing costs plaguing our small businesses will be brought under control.

    With tens of thousands of Americans dying every year due to lack of insurance, and millions more ending up in bankruptcy when they get sick, we cannot afford to wait. It is for these people that we must take advantage of this opportunity to pass healthcare reform now. As soon as health insurance reform becomes law, there are dozens of protections and benefits that will take effect this year.


    Protecting Senator Edward Kennedy's Legacy

    Senator Kennedy spent his career fighting for meaningful health care reform. He passed away just as we were on the verge of finally making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans who do not have health insurance. In just one week, on January 19, there will be a special election to fill the vacancy and replace Kennedy. Martha Coakley is vying to become the first woman to represent Massachusetts in the US Senate.

    Keeping this seat blue is critical. Coakley is the 60th vote needed to pass health care and the rest of President Obama's agenda. Without her vote, health care won't happen.

    Republicans know this and know that if they prevent Coakley's election, they will be able to block all of Obama's agenda, since they are united in voting NO on any progressive policy. That's why they have outspent Coakley so far. As a result, the polls are showing the race in a dead heat.


    Democratic Dinner - Save the Date, May 7, 2010

    Every year, the biggest event for Democrats in Santa Clara County is the Democratic Dinner. This year our dinner will be on Friday, May 7, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. Join over 500 fellow Democrats in celebration of our past success and in preparation for the hard work ahead in the crucial 2010 elections. This year, California must elect a Democratic Governor and reelect Barbara Boxer to the US Senate.

    For more information, please visit our website, and stay tuned for an announcement of this year's keynote speaker. You can reserve your space by buying tickets now.


    Humor Break

    Republican Senators believe they have a mandate for NO:
    http://sccdp.org/humor.php?linkID=humor/stopyou.htm

    Is global warming the latest hoax?
    http://sccdp.org/humor.php?linkID=humor/warminghoax.htm

    Dick Cheney is like a broken record:
    http://sccdp.org/humor.php?linkID=humor/cheneyringtone.htm

    Paid for by the Santa Clara County Democratic Party (sccdp.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

    Posted by sccdcc at January 12, 2010 11:03 PM