As momentum for health care reform continues to build in the United States Congress, many observers are predicting that reform will include a public option, which would give citizens a choice to purchase guaranteed health insurance at a reasonable price. It is believed that each state could be given the opportunity to opt-out of the public option should they so choose.
Today, Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Mullins McLeod pledged he would veto any legislation denying South Carolinians their right to a public option.
"If health care reform includes a public option for people in other states, then it should be there for people in South Carolina as well. I won’t allow the insurance industry and their supporters in the state legislature to deny people here affordable health care," McLeod said. "For too long, big insurance companies have prioritized their billion dollar profits ahead of the health and well being of working families. When I’m governor, I’ll put people first."
McLeod also challenged his Democratic Primary opponents for Governor to make the same pledge to veto a public option opt-out.
"As Democrats, I hope my primary opponents will join me in standing up for South Carolinians right to have a public option. For too long, Democrats in South Carolina have been afraid to lead on issues like this. It’s time for Democrats here to stop acting like Republicans and stand up for what is right," McLeod said.
To learn more about Mullins, visit MullinsMcLeod.com and follow us on Twitter, @McLeodForGov.