( BLACK PR WIRE) ( March 22, 2010) WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Representative Calvin Smyre (GA), President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) issues the following statement in support of healthcare reform bill pending in Congress.

Within the next 72 hours, Congress is scheduled to vote on the most ambitious overhaul of the healthcare system in decades. We urge our members and affiliates to support this bill. With healthcare costs eating up an increasing share of household incomes and GDP something must be done to preserve the economic security and well being of American citizens.

While some have qualms with the bill, we must not allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. The bill as it stands will increase accessibility and affordability of healthcare. Additionally, it will end egregious practices such as the denial of care for pre existing conditions. This is not only a question of economics; it is also a moral imperative to strengthen the social safety net of American citizens, something that has long been ignored.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is a membership association representing more than 600 African American state legislators hailing from 42 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. NBCSL members represent more than 50 million Americans of various racial backgrounds. NBCSL monitors federal and state activity and provides this information to its members through policy symposiums and conferences. Each year, NBCSL members pass policy resolutions that directly impact federal and state policy. The organization focuses on issues that directly impact US domestic policy and is committed to policies that positively affect all Americans.


Source: National Black Caucus of State Legislators

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