Too many Americans are either uninsured or underinsured. The health and well-being of our citizens are too important for so many people to go without health insurance. Every American should be able to access the same health insurance that Members of Congress use.
The first step that we should take is making sure that our children are healthy. That's why I support the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (or LaChip in Louisiana). I believe that Congress should focus on preventive care with the goal of a healthier America. Insuring America is only a means to an end for improving the quality of life for every American.
I have supported the following legislation:
- Co-sponsored the Small Business Health Insurance Options Program Act, or SHOP Act, that will increase the number of those insured by giving tax credits to small businesses which offer health insurance to their employees. The bill will also lower the cost of insurance by allowing small businesses to pool their resources, which will lower their administrative costs. It is estimated that small businesses spend 20 to 25% of their health insurance payments on administrative costs (H.R. 6210).
- Voted for the Health Centers Renewal Act, which will help traditionally medically underserved areas of the country- particularly rural areas- meet their health care needs (H.R. 1343).
- Supported the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act that requires that the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services to create and fund cancer centers of excellence to combat childhood cancer (H.R. 1553).
- Voted for H.R. 5781, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, that extends paid parental leave for federal employees from eight weeks to twelve weeks. Allowing parents to take the time they need to recover after the birth of a child or a family illness is essential for the long-term health of the family.
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