An Open Letter to Rep. Gerlach: Please Reconsider Your “No” Vote on Health Insurance Reform
November 18, 2009
The following is an open letter to Representative Gerlach asking him to reconsider his “No” vote on health insurance reform. A copy of this letter was also hand-delivered to his office.
Representative Gerlach:
On November 4, 2008 I was one of the majority of voters in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District who voted for President Obama. Like so many others, I voted not only for the man and his leadership qualities, but also for his stance on the critical issues facing our country. I voted to change the status quo and to move this country in a better direction.
One of the critical issues I voted to change is our nation’s health care system. It is widely recognized that the cost of our health insurance system is out of control. Costs continue to rise as quality of care diminishes. Health insurance reform is an economic necessity and it is a moral imperative. Far too many of your constituents go uninsured or underinsured every day.
The Affordable Health Care for America Act, which you voted against, will provide quality, affordable choices for the millions of Americans who are uninsured. And the bill will bring down the high costs of care for American families and businesses, while lowering our deficit. Representative Gerlach: I urge you to reconsider your vote and support this much-needed legislation.
This year, as a volunteer for Organizing for America, I’ve been reaching out to my neighbors in the 6th Congressional District, in support of President’s Health Reform Plan. I can report that the overwhelming majority of constituents with whom I, and dozens of other dedicated volunteers spoke with, support the President’s plan for reform. As you may recall, in September we delivered nearly 5,000 declarations to you from your constituents in support of the President’s plan. I am writing today on behalf of the thousands of your constituents who support the President’s plan to ask you, as our representative in Washington, to put aside partisan differences and vote for reform later this year.
Those of us fortunate enough to have private health insurance through our employers are now in the “open enrollment period”. Two weeks ago, I was notified by my employer that my portion of my health insurance premium payments will increase by 30 percent. Let there be no doubt: I can unequivocally state that my payments are increasing at an alarming and unsustainable rate. Unfortunately, my situation is in no way unique.
Make no mistake – I feel very fortunate to have health insurance coverage. Unlike many of your other constituents, I’ve not had to face the harsh pre-existing conditions clause, the tragic bankruptcy brought on by catastrophic health care issues, or the shocking expense of the Medicare prescription plan “donut-hole.”
But there is hope. As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches, I’m thankful that the President, Pennsylvania’s Senators, and the leadership in the House of Representatives all recognize our nation’s urgent need for Health insurance reform. I’m thankful for their diligent efforts to keep what’s working, and fix what’s broken.
Representative Gerlach, I encourage you to join with us, the majority of your constituents, in support of passing meaningful health insurance reform this year. When the House takes up a final health insurance bill later this year, I call on you to listen to your constituents, reconsider your vote, and support the legislation that is consistent with President Obama’s principles of reform.
Respectfully,
Gregory M.
Malvern, PA
An Open Letter to Rep. Gerlach: Please Reconsider Your “No” Vote on Health Insurance Reform
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