Burris: Health care legislation must include public option

From press release

U.S. Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following the release of the Senate Finance Committee’s health care reform plan, U.S. Sen. Roland W. Burris (D-Ill.) made the following statement Sept. 16 about his strong belief in a public option:

“I firmly believe in a public option and will oppose any bill that does not include one. Illinoisans have seen their insurance premiums skyrocket, while more and more families lose their coverage every day.

“We need real reform now. The inclusion of a public option as a central component to any health care reform legislation is the only way to create meaningful competition with the insurance companies, and in turn, bring down costs and improve quality of care for the people of Illinois and all Americans.

“Following President Obama’s health care speech last week, there is a great deal of momentum to fix the health care crisis, and I am committed to working with the White House, Senate leadership, and my colleagues to achieve consensus and to affect change on this critical issue. I am confident we will pass this legislation before the end of the year, and I look forward to casting my vote in the United States Senate for a health care reform bill that includes a public option.”