Health insurance bill continues to meet resistance in PA State Senate
In the wake of turmoil in the national financial market, some lawmakers are pushing hard for a Senate vote on a plan to cover Pennsylvania’s uninsured residents. With just 7 session days left until the Senate adjourns for the year, rhetoric at the Capitol on health care grows increasingly heated. Jen Rehill reports.
In the wake of turmoil in the national financial market, some lawmakers are pushing hard for a Senate vote on a plan to cover Pennsylvania’s uninsured residents.
Transcript:
With just 7 session days left until the Senate adjourns for the year, rhetoric at the Capitol on health care is growing increasingly heated.
State Senator Vince Hughes says his Republican colleagues who control the Senate should bring up the House-passed Access to Basic Care insurance bill.
“Why can’t we stand up for these people?” asked a fiery Hughes on the floor of the Senate. “We can figure out a way to stand up for Merrill Lynch and AIG, why can’t we stand up for the average every day person? Why can’t we step up for them?”
In the meantime, administration spokesman Chuck Ardo said negotiations continue with Republican lawmakers.
“The governor and the legislative leaders are continuing to talk about all of the issues that are on the table,” said Ardo.
Ardo declined to reveal any details, but did confirm that Rendell missed the Constitution Day celebration at the Capitol for such a meeting.
Previous stories:
Peter Crimmins’ report Doctors pushing stalled PA “Health Care for All” bill
Kerry Grens’ report Lawmakers to act on health insurance
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