THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of Media Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      

Wednesday, June 17, 2009                                                                                     

Sebelius, DeParle Announce Establishment of

 State Legislators for Health Reform

State Leaders to Work for Health Reform in Communities Across America

U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and White House Office of Health Reform Director Nancy-Ann DeParle today announced the establishment of State Legislators for Health Reform. The group includes State Legislators from across the country who will work to advance the need for health reform this year in their communities across the country. Members of the group met with Sebelius and DeParle at the White House today.

“As a former Governor, I know that state legislators can be an incredible asset as we work to make reform a reality,” said Secretary Sebelius. “These leaders see why we need health reform every day because they are living in communities where families and businesses are struggling with skyrocketing health care costs. State Legislators know first-hand how the high cost of care is impacting their state budget and forcing incredibly tough choices. They are hearing from constituents who can’t get the care they need, and they are committed to reform that builds on what works and fixes what doesn’t.”

“Lots of people in Washington are talking about health care, but the most important conversations about health care are happening around kitchen tables in cities and towns across America,” said DeParle. “State Legislators will help ensure Americans across the country know how health reform can help improve health care for all of us.”

State Legislators for Health Reform includes leaders from across the country who will educate their communities on the need for health reform this year.  The legislators will host public events, author opinion pieces in local publications, and use their established networks to organize constituents in support of health reform.

“We are all working in our states on health issues, but we know that this is an American problem that deserves an American solution. One state can’t do it alone,” said Iowa State Senator Jack Hatch. “We will use our networks and our voices to organize and champion the cause of health reform.”

“We are proud to commit to fight for health reform,” added Washington State Senator Karen Keiser.   “Many of us have been working hard on health issues for years, and when we return home, the hard work will continue. State Legislators will be doing all we can to help pass health reform this year.”

A list of State Legislators who participated in today’s meeting at the White House is included below.

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State Legislators for Health Reform

Sen. Jack Hatch

Iowa 

Sen. Richard Moore

Massachusetts 

Rep. Jonathan Windyboy

Montana 

Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez

Maryland 

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema

Arizona 

Rep. Chris Donovan

Connecticut  

Sen. Nan Orrock

Georgia 

Rep. Hannah Pingree

Maine 

Rep. Sharon Treat

Maine 

Del. Heather Mizeur

Maryland 

Rep. Tom Huntley

Minnesota 

Sen. Dede Feldman

New Mexico 

Sen. Karen Keiser

Washington 

Sen. Jon Erpenbach

Wisconsin 

Rep. Garnet F. Coleman

Texas 

Rep. Joe Armstrong

Tennessee 

Asm. Felix Ortiz

New York 

Rep. Susana A. Mendoza

Illinois 

Rep. Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania 

Sen. Joe Bolkcom

Iowa 

Sen. Kathleen Sgambati

New Hampshire 

Del. Tom Hucker

Maryland