More Minnesota reactions to health care reform

Capitol Hill. Photo: WDCpix

Rep. Betty McCollum weighed in on the passage of health care reform on Monday, as did GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer and DFL congressional candidate Dr. Maureen Reed. Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota praised the passage of the bill, but reserved criticism for the White House over an executive order on abortion restrictions.

Rep. Betty McCollum:

“Tonight Democrats had courage to stand up for the real needs of America’s families. The real winners tonight are patients and taxpayers because their health care will become more affordable and accessible.”

Republican candidate for governor, Rep. Tom Emmer:

“Last night, President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and the Democrats in Washington made painfully clear to the American people they are not interested in listening to us. They rejected real market-based health care reform and they are congratulating themselves for passing more than a trillion dollars in new spending, half a trillion in new taxes, unconstitutional intrusions on personal and economic freedom, and unprecedented government funding of abortions. I have and will continue to fight for health care freedom for all Minnesotans and against this unconstitutional government takeover of health care.”

Candidate for Congress in the 6th Congressional district, Dr. Maureen Reed:

“Today, we applaud the courageous action the United States House of Representatives took by passing the health care bill, which is a historic step toward improving health care access in the United States. As we celebrate this important accomplishment, we must be cognizant that there is a long road ahead until we complete comprehensive health care reform.Keeping the historic improvements in access and coverage in mind, this bill falls far short in the crucial areas of payment reform and lowering costs. Currently we pay for our health care incorrectly. We pay for individual services at the back end of care instead of paying at the front end for prevention, coordination, and overall best care. Only when we address this core problem will we realize the savings we need to complete health care reform.”

Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota president Sarah Stoesz:

“Sunday was a truly historic day for the American people who have long demanded affordable, quality health care coverage.

“For more than a year, Planned Parenthood has worked tirelessly for a health care reform bill that would fix our broken health care system, strengthen women’s health, and achieve quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Monumental progress was made toward achieving these goals with the passage of historic health care reform legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives, despite a symbolic gesture, in the form of an Executive Order, to anti-choice Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI), which has diverted attention from the central goal of health care reform — controlling costs and extending coverage.

“As a result of this historic expansion of health care coverage to more than 30 million Americans, the doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals who work for Planned Parenthood health centers will be providing care to many more women, men, and families who will be seeking primary and preventive care.

“Planned Parenthood is also extremely pleased that members of the House listened to the millions of women and men who expressed their strong opposition to the Stupak abortion ban. Stopping the Stupak ban was a priority for women across the country who rejected the notion that they would not be able to even use their own money to obtain private insurance coverage for abortion. It was a tough fight, but we salute Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D- CA) and members of the House Pro-Choice Caucus, and all others who stood up for women’s health and women’s rights.

Earlier: Minnesotans react to passage of health care reform