FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Congressman Loebsack and Iowa Health Care for America Now Release Benefits of House Health Reform Bill

Press Conference Details Positive Impact of America's Affordable Health Choices Act On Local Small Businesses, Providers and Families.

Iowa City, Iowa August 12, 2009 -- On Wednesday, August 12th at 10:30 am, Iowa Citizen Action Network as part of Health Care for America Now (HCAN) - the nation's largest health care campaign - hosted a press conference with Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-2) to release the House Energy and Commerce Committee District by District health care reform impact report, "Benefits of America's Affordable Health Choices Act [HR 3200] in the 2nd Congressional District of Iowa."

Highlights of HR 3200 for Iowa's First District as detailed in the report:

"Iowa Citizen Action Network has brought together Iowans across the state and in DC for rallies and town hall meetings and listening posts and what we are hearing from all of the people of Iowa is they demand real reform," said Betty Ahrens, Executive Director of Iowa Citizen Action Network, a leader for national health care reform in Iowa. "We are here to focus on the facts and benefits of health care reform. Lies and propaganda about euthanizing seniors and taking away our choice of doctor are desperate ploys to distract from the fact that Americans want a public option."

Iowa City physician, Dr Timothy Kresowik spoke from his experience with patients who are squeezed by the current health care system. "Every day I see the real problem of the uninsured. This does not only effect the destitute. These are people who are working but do not have insurance," Dr. Kresowik elaborated. Maybe they are employed by a small business or are self-employed. These are the people who are clearly suffering in the current system. That's what physicians are committed to change. We have to be able to provide health care coverage and access to health care to our entire population."

Senator Joe Bolkom, who represents State Senate District 39, explained the importance of national health care reform for his constituents and for Iowa lawmakers, "Iowa has made great strides in improving health care at the state level in the past few years, but we need a national partner to do what needs to be done for those who need help now. Passing federal health insurance reform is urgently needed and I thank Congressman Loebsack for his leadership in DC on this issue."

Read the report here: http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090724/IA2.Loebsack.pdf

Contact:

Sue Dinsdale
sdinsdale@iowacan.org
515-480-3240

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Health Care for America Now (HCAN) is a national grassroots campaign of more than 1000 organizations representing more than 30 million people dedicated to winning quality, affordable health care we all can count on in 2009. Health Care for America Now and its principles for reform are supported by President Obama and more than 195 Members of Congress. We are doctors, nurses, community organizations, small business owners, faith-based groups, people of color, seniors, children's and women's rights groups, and labor unions. Our Steering Committee includes: ACORN, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers , Americans United for Change, Campaign for America's Future, Campaign for Community Change, Center for American Progress Action Fund , Children's Defense Fund Action Council, Communications Workers of America, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), MoveOn.org, NAACP, National Council of La Raza, National Education Association, National Women's Law Center, SEIU, UFCW, USAction, Women's Voices. Women Vote, and Working America.