For Immediate Release:
Friday, March 26, 2010
Oklahoma County Democratic Party
Contact: Rep. Al Lindley - Chair, OK County Democratic Party 405-473-2128
Marguerite Leon - Vice Chair, OK County Democratic Party 405-209-0909
Dr. Tom Guild - Sec, OK County Democratic Party 405-359-7920
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Oklahoma County Democratic Party celebrates the passage of a healthcare bill that will benefit all Americans. On Sunday, March 21, 2010 President Obama won a historic victory in the struggle for health care reform as the House of Representatives passed a major bill that will begin helping all Americans by reining in the abusive practices of insurance companies and making healthcare more accessible.
Al Lindley, former State Representative and Chair of the Oklahoma County Democratic Party stated “It is a great day for all Oklahomans, especially families with members who have fragile health or serious illnesses. Insurance companies can no longer deny claims or coverage because of preexisting conditions or cite unrealistic caps. I know many families, including my own, who faced financial ruin because of the heartless practices of insurance companies. I thank God for the members of the U.S. House who braved scurrilous insults and unrelenting threats to do the right thing.
Marguerite Leon, Oklahoma County Democratic Party Vice Chair said, “After a century of Republicans and Democrats working towards a modern Health Care Plan, the President and Congress have delivered a thoughtful start with the HCR Bill. I applaud the leadership of President Obama and applaud the brave 111th Congress for standing up to the high pressures of strong lobbyists and for ultimately siding with the consumer. Oklahomans will begin to feel the benefits immediately.”
Tom Guild, Secretary of the Oklahoma County Democratic Party said, “Now Democrats have extended health insurance coverage by making denial of coverage on the basis of preexisting conditions a thing of the past, prohibiting discrimination by charging women more for their health care premiums and forbidding insurers from placing lifetime dollar limits on policies. Time and again, Democrats have come to the aid of those who need a better promise of achieving the American dream.”
Dr. Katherine Scheirman, an Oklahoma physician, retired Air Force Colonel and Regional Director of Doctors For America stated, “As a physician, I am thrilled by the reform bill signed by President Obama, which represents a historic step toward fixing our dysfunctional health care system. It will allow over 31 million more Americans to get coverage, regulate insurance companies and prohibit discrimination around pre-existing conditions, strengthen primary care and our care delivery systems, and reduce the deficit by over $1 trillion in the next 20 years. Passage of this bill is a triumph for all Americans, just like Social Security and Medicare, both of which were also opposed by the same special interests who represent corporate profits over the health of our people,”
Dr. Boyd Shook, Oklahoma City physician and founder of Manos Juntas Free Medical Clinic stated, “We had to have reform. Too many people are not covered or are inadequately covered. This insurance reform is a place from which we can start. If it improves the health care of our patients, then it will be seen as a good bill. We look forward to improved care with better opportunity for early management and improved outcomes. I hope the bickering and posturing goes away so that we may work together to achieve those goals.”
The healthcare bill passed in a 219-212 vote after more than a year of discussion, debate and activism. The fight for reform has been a long one and there is more work to do in the future to build on the foundation of this bill to make health care more available and affordable for all Americans.
###
.jpg)
.jpg)
