Rep. Frank Kratovil Opposes House Version Of Health Care Reform

Rep. Frank Kratovil Opposes House Version of Health Care Reform Citing Cost; Urges Reform That Cuts Costs and Increases Coverage

Local organizations praise Kratovil’s decision.

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil opposed HR 3962 and released the following statement. The legislation passed by a vote of XXX-XXX.

“I support healthcare reform, but it must be the right kind of reform that works for my constituents in the First District. I have consistently argued for healthcare reform that reduces long-term health care spending, improves quality, and expands coverage in a fiscally responsible manner. Our nation is facing an $11.9 trillion national debt, and we simply cannot afford a bill that does not lower healthcare spending. It is also essential for healthcare reform legislation to support, not burden, our nation’s small businesses.

I was not able to support the bill before Congress today because I do not believe it meets my criteria for a sustainable solution. While I recognize the need for reform and I applaud some aspects of this bill, I do not believe that this bill offers a sustainable solution. I will continue to work with my colleagues to pursue a better bill as this process continues, and I urge constituents to continue to offer their input.”

-Rep. Frank Kratovil

Praise for Rep. Kratovil’s Vote

“The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, our 847 business members, and the entire Lower Shore business community thank Congressman Frank Kratovil for hearing our concerns regarding the Health Care reform legislation currently pending in Congress. Like Rep. Kratovil, many of our members support reform but membership overwhelming feels that H.R. 3962 fails to address the issues critical to the citizens in our region. We support and applaud Rep. Kratovil’s decision to reject the current health care reform proposals, his courage and independent thought is greatly appreciated by our members. Our organization will support his efforts to update the health care system to provide quality medical care to all Americans at a reasonable price by using the free enterprise system in conjunction with fair and well thought-out government standards. The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce stands ready to work with Rep. Kratovil to help find a workable, win-win solution. Again, we thank the Congressman for seeking our input, hearing our concerns, and taking our input into consideration on this important issue. -J. Scott Robertson, President Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce

“We applaud Congressman Frank Kratovil for his statement opposing H.R. 3962, the House health care bill, which could wipe out more jobs, raise costs, and put employers’ and employees’ current health benefits at risk. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has strongly advocated for health care reform and shares the goals of Congress and the Administration to reduce health care costs, while increasing access and quality. But the current proposal in the House includes many provisions that are not consistent with those shared goals. The business community at large is eager to work with Congress to develop a workable product that garners broad bipartisan support and preserves the parts of the system that work in a fiscally responsible manner. We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Frank Kratovil as this difficult but important process continues to move forward.” - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Bruce Josten

“Small business owners in Maryland are adamantly opposed to healthcare reform that adds new penalties, mandates and taxes on job creators—particularly with unemployment hitting double digits. We are grateful Congressman Frank Kratovil recognized the needs of the small business community and decided to vote against the House healthcare bill. We look forward to working with him on a healthcare reform solution that expands coverage without forcing struggling small employers to pick up the tab. “ - Ellen Valentino, Maryland State Director National Federation of Independent Businesses