Health Reform at the State Level

This is a good example of how the voters in New Mexico are way ahead of the political leaders in New Mexico.

The Health Security Act (which began 12 to 15 years ago as New Mexicare) has evolved over time and it’s always had consistently, strong, enthusiastic support not just from the rank and file out there, but from city councils, from county commissioners, but everybody who has a chance to hear about it wants it.  And, we still don’t have it. Why not?

Because the political leadership of the State of New Mexico listens more to the insurance companies than it does to the people of the state.

It’s the exact same reason we don’t have national health care reform of any meaningful sort emerging out of Washington this year.  Because the insurance companies tell the elected leaders of both parties how they should vote.

And there’s nothing more disgusting in my mind than to see Democratic Senators, elected by Democratic electorates,  going to Washington or going to Santa Fe and voting – not for what the people need or want or have asked for – but for the insurance companies when they say; “we will support you with money if you will vote our way.”

We really do need to have the Health Security Act in New Mexico.  We need to make sure Congress gives the state the latitude to have its own health program in this new health care reform.  And, once it’s passed, we need again to take up, consider, the health security act in New Mexico and pass the darned thing.

We absolutely need it.  I have voted for it at every opportunity we’ve had.