The following statement was issued several hours ago by Governor Kaine:
Thanks to the hard work and commitment of President Obama and sixty United States Senators from around the country, we are now on the verge of the biggest domestic policy breakthrough since the Civil Rights Acts of the 1960’s. I commend Senators Webb and Warner for their leadership at this critical juncture in our nation’s history.
In the Commonwealth, the passage of comprehensive healthcare reform would ensure access to quality, affordable health care for 1.2 million uninsured Virginians, bring security to the millions of people who are already insured, and bring down the cost of health care for all of us. With the average employer-sponsored insurance premium now more than $1,000 per family per month, and uncompensated costs for caring for the uninsured in Virginia now approximately $1.5 billion annually, we simply cannot afford to move backwards. Across the country, this legislation would help secure America’s position as a global leader, while finally bringing our healthcare system into the 21st century.
Last night’s vote was a clear affirmation that Americans are ready for healthcare reform--and a challenge to our nation’s leaders to fulfill their obligations to the citizens they represent. As we look ahead to the reconciliation of the House and Senate versions of this unprecedented healthcare reform legislation, I am pleased that we are moving in the right direction—for Virginians and for all Americans.”
