Heath care is a right that should be available to all Americans, not a privilege enjoyed just by those who can afford to pay ever-increasing premiums.

I am proud to be one of the 219 Democrats who voted for President Obama’s landmark comprehensive health care reform, which, among many other things, prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to millions of Americans with a pre-existing condition. It was a moment over 70 years in the making and I am proud that the President and our strong progressive majority in Congress got the job done.

Our recent success on health care gives me hope that a burden has been lifted from our children and grandchildren. I understand the challenges involved in finding coverage for a loved one who has been denied coverage — as my son was.

Please watch this short video of me discussing the health care reform bill and share it with your friends and family.

There is more to do to reduce costs and make health care affordable for all Americans. I’m disappointed that my language to save seniors millions in drug costs by repealing the Bush era prohibition against direct negotiation with pharmaceutical firms under Medicare was stricken from the final bill.

I also support giving Americans safe access to prescription drugs produced in other countries where prices are substantially lower. I want to allow doctors to post prescriptions online where pharmacists would bid to fill them at the lowest price, and I want to increase the number of nurses and primary care physicians across the country.

Sincerely,

Jane  

(Calitics promotes diaries from candidates and elected officials. – promoted by Brian Leubitz)

Dear Friends,

The opportunity to serve is not an entitlement. Our country can only move forward when elected leaders work hard to continue to earn the support of the people they serve and fight for the issues and causes that matter deeply to our communities. I am no different.

During my time in Congress I have pushed for change, fought hard to create jobs, supported sweeping health care reform with a public option, and worked tirelessly to protect our pristine coastline.

I am asking for your vote on June 8 in the Democratic Primary to continue the work I’ve set out to do.

EDIT By Brian: More (including a video) over the flip.

I recently introduced bipartisan legislation that will establish efficiency standards for new outdoor light fixtures and will significantly reduce carbon emissions – the equivalent of taking 3 to 5.4 million cars off the road by 2030 and save up to $5.1 billion a year.

I hope you will watch the short video above and share it with your friends and family.

Now is a time of extraordinary importance for our country and your vote makes a difference.

This year alone, we have fought back against a terrible recession and passed sweeping heath care reform legislation that had been trapped in Washington for over 70 years. We are on the verge of creating a lasting progressive majority that will tackle climate crises, reform Wall Street and rebuild our economy, but I need your vote to help make it all a reality.

I hope that I have earned your support and I am asking for your vote in the Democratic Primary on June 8.

I invite you to watch the above video and to share it with your friends and family.

You can also visit my website to stay up-to-date on all the issues involving our district. – JaneHarmanCongress.com

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Jane Harman

P.S. please also join me on Facebook  to get the latest news and thoughts on the issues that matter most.