FROM THE POTOMAC NEWS AND MESSENGER:

Connolly: Health care reform would be based on current private system

BY JONATHAN HUNLEY
August 21, 2009

Americans needn’t fear that health care reform will result in an unproductive, socialist-style program, Rep. Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly said Thursday.

“Our system is based on private employer insurance, and it’s going to stay that way,” he told a joint meeting of the Lake Ridge and Woodbridge Rotary Clubs. “What we’re trying to do here is find a way to bring other people into that system and to bring down costs.”

The congressman, who represents much of Prince William County, spoke to a lunch gathering at Westminster at Lake Ridge.

In addition to trying to quell anxiety about the possibility of government-controlled health care, he said he’s not convinced that taxes should be raised to pay for reform.

“I want to see more savings wrung out of the system, especially from the insurers, ” he said, “who are giving, right now, zero.”

On the other hand, he said, U.S. drug companies have pledged $80 billion toward reform.
And, in response to a question about how changes would affect illegal immigrants, Connolly said that none of the bills under consideration address illegals. 

“You must be here legally,” he said. “Just like Medicaid: You’ve got to have proof that you’re here legally to qualify for the benefits.”

President Barack Obama has said immigration has to be tackled as a separate issue, Connolly said, but it will not be a part of medical reform.

Some conservatives have criticized Connolly recently, saying he’s talking health care with only specific groups instead of holding meetings open to the general public.

Asked about this before Thursday’s meeting, Connolly noted that one of Obama’s earliest town halls on the subject was held in his congressional district.

Connolly and his staff have also addressed health care in a telephone town hall meeting with thousands of constituents and at open houses at his offices, he said.

“The fact is,” Connolly said, “I’ve had plenty of town meetings.”

     # # #

http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/politics/article/connolly_health_care_reform_would_be_based_on_current_private_system/41756/