Chairwoman says Obama address offered "clear and concise case" for reform

Wyoming Democratic Party Chairwoman Leslie Petersen issued the following statement after President Obama’s addressed a Joint Session of Congress about his health insurance reform plan.

“Last night, President Obama made an overwhelmingly clear and compelling case to the American people about the need to pass health insurance reform this year.”

“President Obama brought forward the details of a moderate proposal that will provide more security and stability for people who have insurance, provide quality, affordable care to those who don’t, and rein in skyrocketing costs that are crushing American and Wyoming families, businesses and the government itself.”

“Conservative and liberal ideas alike were incorporated into the President’s vision of a system that will protect Americans from unfair insurance industry practices. We can all agree that too many of Wyoming’s residents and small businesses are struggling under the high costs of care. Reform will bring down costs by offering competition within the insurance industry and refusing to allow one company to dominate the market, as is currently the case in Wyoming.  It will prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against someone for a preexisting condition and it will stop them from dropping someone’s coverage when they get sick, and need help the most.  I was delighted to hear President Obama, once and for all, dispel the lies claiming otherwise.”

“We are closer than ever to passing comprehensive reform and President Obama has laid out a clear path forward. Unfortunately, Republicans in Wyoming have refused to bargain in good faith; they want to maintain the status quo.  Americans have been waiting far too long for reform and opponents need to start explaining to the American people why they refuse to renounce partisanship and support a plan that will bring real and meaningful reform."