I've done my part and contacted all the Congresscritters in my area, plus a few out of state. This is the only reply I've gotten, he's my congressman, a Democrat, and this one disappoints me. This guy is pro union and represents a solidly middle class (what is left of it) blue collar district with only one thriving industry left. Normally, he comes down on the right side of most issues. He did vote against cap and trade, but, keeping in mind that the aforementioned thriving industry is a refinery, I sort of understood that
However, I'm afraid if this is how this guy thinks on health care reform, we may have a problem.
Dear (Althea in IL):
I wanted to let you know that I have met with, received e-mails, faxes and letters from over 5,000 people in the past six months on the Healthcare Reform issue. Below is a brief summary of questions and suggestions I have received.
1.Do we need to change the current system?
The answer from almost everyone is YES.
2.Why do we need to change the system?
a) The skyrocketing cost of insurance, co-payments and prescription drugs.
b) If you get laid off or lose your job, you lose your insurance.
c) The 47 million people who are uninsured are getting their primary care in the hospital emergency room which costs everyone far more than if they had a doctor for preventative care.
3.Do I support the proposals pending in the US House?
NO. They go too far too fast, create a complicated new system and the proposal may cost far more than the projected cost.
4.What do I favor?
I have supported a single payer system similar to Medicare for several years. However, it is clear that we lack the support in Congress and from the American people to enact single payer at this time.
5.Where do we go from here?
My advice to the administration and congressional leaders is to slow things down and examine what is working and not working in the current system. It is more important to get it right than to just get something done.
6.Why are you not holding town meetings?
I have held over 400 town meetings since I have been in Congress. In the beginning, the town meeting forum was productive. Unfortunately, they became unproductive for almost everyone in attendance when a few people traveled from meeting to meeting in order to dominate the time with their one issue; therefore I stopped holding town hall meetings a few years ago.
However, I very much appreciate hearing from you on this important issue and want you to know that I will work to find a solution to the problems that exist in the current system.
Sincerely,
Jerry F. Costello
Member of Congress
I followed this link from Kos' open thread today and found out how Congressman Costello's district would benefit from health care reform, and it's significant. I do plan to write him again, for the third time, to impress on him how important this moment in time is.
If you are in Illinois, or more importantly in his district, please contact him.
His contact information is here
Please let him hear your thoughts!