Macomb, IL –
A Western Illinois Congressman says the federal government can afford to provide health care for all Americans.
Phil Hare says he realizes a Universal Health Care bill likely will not get passed this session, but other steps should be taken. Hare says Small Businesses should get tax breaks for providing employees with Health Insurance and more money should be put into Community Health Clinics.
Hare says $6.1 billion should be spent for the State Children's Health Insurance Program. He says there is not a magic number on how much the federal government should spend on Universal Health Care; however, he feels if billions of dollars can be spent on the war, money can be spent on Health Care.
The Democrat says waiting for a new administration to get in the White House before a Universal Health Care bill is passed is unacceptable.
Additional Information:
*There are 1.7 million uninsured Illinoisans.
*Hare has voted to expand SCHIP both times the measure has come up for a vote. President Bush has veotoed the bill each time.
*Congressman Hare was in Macomb to share the story of Bill Fair's son, Eric. Eric lost his health insurance after the closure of Butler Manufacturing in Galesburg. Eric died at the age of 33 of heart failure.
*To hear more from Congressman Hare and Bill Fair, click on the audio link.