AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais - Republican leaders, from left,
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., House Minority Leader
John Boehner of Ohio, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Ariz., and
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. arrive at health care summit
with President Barack Obama.
Todays Health Care summit had run 45 minutes over the scheduled time and still no presentation from Senator Murray. The President acknowledged that there were still 3 Democrats that had not had the opportunity to speak, noting that Murray was one of the three. He asked the remaining speakers to keep their remarks short.
Here is a partial transcript of Senator Patty Murray remarks:
"Mr. President, thank you, and this has been I think a very good discussion. And I think all of us came to this table today having heard a lot of stories and talked to a lot of people and bring their passions with us today. And I certainly am one of those".
Every time we talk about this, every time I think about this, I remember a little boy who I met last spring, who was 11 years old, who's name was Marcellus. And he told me that his single mom, taking care of him and his two younger sisters, was going to work every day, had a job managing a fast-food restaurant, was doing OK, but she got sick. And when she got sick, she had to take time off from work. And because she was missing so much work, she lost her job. When she lost her job, she lost her health care. And because she lost her health care, she couldn't get in to see a doctor and sadly, Marcellus' mom died.
I think about him every time we talk about this bill. And what happened to his mother is happening to so many Americans when they get sick today and don't have any choices. They have nowhere to go. Either they don't have insurance or they have been denied insurance because they have a preexisting condition or they are a small business whose premiums have gone up so dramatically that they can no longer afford to provide it for their employees.
She finished with just a few more thoughts, one was that the current Democrat bill would be opening community health centers so people have choices. This must not apply to the state of WA since we have a shortage of doctors and health care workers (as noted by Patty Murray) therefore I don't see the benefit to our states other than more taxes from the federal government. Murray closed with the following statement:
And that's why it's so important that we move forward with what we have and open that door for so many Americans.
Over the past year, Patty Murray has made it a priority to collect stories form WA residents about any personal health care issue that has resulted in tragic results to individuals or families. It makes one question just how much time she has put into the details, structure and financial consequences of in-acting this bill.
And now for the rest of the story ...
Senator Murray represents a state where the majority of elected officials are Democrats, who have been in control of this state for many years. With health care being a high priority for the Democrat party, why have they been unable to create a system in this state to provide care for their own people in need? And if Murray continues to share the stories she collects from her web site, how much of this suffering is caused by the failure of her own states legislature and Governor (D). If the Democrats can not reform their health care system within it's own borders why should we have faith that the Democrats in the federal government can?
It would be refreshing if Senator Murray could share success from her own state rather all the tragic stories. It does make it rather difficult for a conservative to have faith in the sincerity of the words from our representatives as we watch the Governor cut the budget for HIV/AIDS programs, health care to the poor and elderly, services to the seniors and at the same time giving pay raises to the state union workers.
It's also tragic that Marcellus and his siblings lost their mother and only parent, but I have to ask why was an unemployed, single mother of 3 unable to get Health Insurance from WA State which helps adults below 100% of poverty level. The State Basic Health Plan provides health care coverage to nearly 65,000 low- income people. According to the Priorities of Government from Office of Financial Management
office:
The Basic Health Plan provides a basic health insurance package for adults who are otherwise uninsured and whose family income falls below the federal poverty level. The state offers reduced rates for low-income Washington residents. Enrollees also pay portions of the premium costs based on income level and family size.
According to Washington State Department of Social and Health Services:
Washington State has a number of programs dedicated to providing health care coverage for low income residents. The largest single source for this coverage is Medicaid, which offers complete major medical coverage.
For more info: DEMS speak 233 min vs 114 mins for Republicans ~ Exclusive from Politico - What happens next in health care
One Voice Together Can Make a Difference!
Comments
Sen Murray (soon to be unemployed herself), "came to the table" with such profound comments. Can not wait until November! She will get the boot, cuz her tennis shoes haven't gone the miles for her constituants! What has that woman done for our country, let alone our state??!
Senator Murray, is touted as a Democrat Leader in the Senate, however it appears she is little more than a follower of Progressive and Liberal Senators. The Democrat gambit to push a garbage can full of Regulations on the health insurance industry fails the "free economy" solution of "nationwide competition". Today we see insurance companies raising premiums to be ready for the proposals passed in both houses of Congress. As seen in Thursday's summit the other side has some great ideas, which the Democrat controlled houses will turn a blind eye to. It's time to give Senator Murray her Golden Parachute this November.
Best Wishes from Wallla Walla!
Great article Sandy. I have written Senator Murray several times and she has never responded. Jim is right...Murray and Cantwell are the lib twins and I was embarassed for Washington to see her clapping behind the Justices at the State of the Union address when Obama was bashing the Justices over their decision in the campaign finance case. We need a conservative to run against Murray...and not Benton....perhaps Rossi or someone that can actually win. I can't afford more taxes and I will not stand by while Gregoire, unions and progressives destory the great state of Washington. It seems they are competing with Oregon to see who can be the most progressive, overtaxed environmentalist state in the union.
Kind Regards from Washougal :)
Jim I agree with you ... her participation in the summit appeared to be little more than the President tossing her a bread crumb at the last minute. I felt embarrassed that she represents our state, especially listening to other liberals that passionately defended their support of this bill, even thought I don't agree with them.
I was proud of the Republicans who were so well prepared, showed that they do in fact have alternatives and are trying to find a way for bipartisan support. They presented a good case of what is wrong with the current bill and I especially liked Congressman Paul Ryan's rational presentation.
Murray is the embodiment of mediocrity. Even though I disagree with her on virtually everything, and am embarrassed to be "represented" by her, I believe I'd still be embarrassed of Murray, even if I was sympathetic to her positions. Her lack of intellectual agility is shocking. Personally, I would love to debate her--with cameras rolling. I've offered to do so directly with her staff, but so far she has not honored my request. The story she told at the "Health Summit" should be focused on, exposed, and I believe could be her undoing as the campaign wears on. The "safety net" should be, and is, available at the state level, i.e, DSHS, or Washington Basic Health. One wonders, "Hey Senator Murray--have you ever heard of that? Do you do any research on your tear-jerking stories? Where was the Father? Where were her parents, or the father's parents? How about her church, or any other charitable organizations? In Murray's world only the Federal Government is the answer. She's icky
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