|
The Larsen Report, June 23, 2009 |
|
|
By Congressman Rick Larsen
|
|
June 23, 2009 |
|
The skyrocketing cost of health care is one of the greatest challenges we face as a country. It is critical that we bring down health care costs for families and businesses in Northwest Washington, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because our long-term economic growth depends on it.
As Congress and the Administration move forward with health care reform, I want to hear from you. Is your family having trouble getting the care they need under the current system? Is the rising cost of health cost hurting your small business? What would you like to see included in health care reform?
Click here to share your story.
I support the following key principles for health care reform:
- Bring down the cost of health care to make it affordable for families and businesses
- As we expand coverage, we must protect patient choice: if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor
- Protect consumers from discrimination because of pre-existing conditions
- Reward quality, efficient health care and ensure a fair deal for Washington state
Keeping Drugs Out of Our Communities
As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine (Meth Caucus), I have seen first-hand the devastating impact of methamphetamine and other drugs on families, businesses and communities in our area.
A three-pronged strategy is needed to fight the meth epidemic: prevent drug abuse through education, invest in treatment to strengthen our community and save money in the long-term, and support law enforcement and their work to keep us safe.
This week, the House of Representatives passed $1.5 million to help the Washington State Methamphetamine Initiative continue their work. This statewide organization has made great progress working with local law enforcement to reduce the number of meth sites in Washington state and make our neighborhoods safer places to live.
The House has also passed funding to provide the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force with critical tools to stop drug trafficking. These tools include surveillance cameras to collect the evidence needed to prosecute drug dealers. This legislation still needs to pass the Senate before it can be signed into law.
Also this week, I am hosting a Meth Caucus meeting here in Washington, D.C. so congressional offices can hear the latest news from the President’s National Office of Drug Control Policy, The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other leaders. The more information Members of Congress have, the more effective we can be in supporting local law enforcement.
 |
