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Rep. Sánchez Urges Passage of Quality, Affordable Health Care for All Americans

September 24, 2009

Notes that Hispanics are Disproportionately Lack Insurance

Washington, DC - Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA) gave a passionate argument today on the floor of the House of Representatives to urge her colleagues to pass quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Rep. Sánchez noted that health costs disproportionately affect Hispanics - who have an unbelievable uninsured rate of nearly 31%.

View Rep. Linda Sánchez speech on her YouTube site at: https://www.youtube.com/user/LindaTSanchez

"I understand just what is at stake with health reform because I see it, and experience it in my community every single day," said Rep. Linda Sánchez, member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "My constituents have told me that health care costs are beyond their reach. Some can't afford insurance at all, and others have been denied or dropped the minute they get sick."

"Hispanics are more likely to be uninsured, and Hispanic small business owners, like all small business owners, are struggling with higher health care costs than large companies -- costs that are rising all the time," continued Sánchez. "But the problems in our health care system aren't just a Hispanic problem, they're an American problem."

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated this year, from September 15 through October 15, a time when Americans honor the Hispanic community - the fastest growing demographic group in this country.

"Hispanic values - faith, family, love of country - are American values," said Rep. Sánchez. "No one in America should go broke because they got sick. That's a basic principle that we seek to uphold."

Earlier this year, Rep. Sánchez unveiled "Linda's Online Health Care Forum," and invited her constituents to share their questions, suggestions, and stories with her through her website about health care reform. Sánchez has already received hundreds of messages from her constituents and has been thanked for allowing them to share their views.