Organizations Cite Longstanding Health-Care Record and Support for Working Families; Commit to Working Side-By-Side with Policymakers to Pass Meaningful Health Reform this Year
WASHINGTON (September 11, 2009) - America's Agenda: Health Care for All, a bipartisan organization bringing together businesses, labor unions and government leaders to achieve quality, affordable health care for all Americans, and Prevention Institute, a non-profit national center recognized as a national leader in community health and disease prevention, issued the following statement today applauding the appointment of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) to chair the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee: "Senator Harkin brings an impressive and longstanding record of knowledge, experience and bipartisan cooperation at a time when all three are needed across the political spectrum," said Mark Blum, executive director of America 's Agenda. " America 's Agenda looks forward to working with Senator Harkin and Members on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we make quality health care affordable for every American and provide a much needed boost to our nation's economy through meaningful, pro-growth health-care reform."
Larry Cohen, Executive Director and Founder of Prevention Institute notes that Senator Harkin's appointment is welcome news to all prevention advocates. "Senator Harkin has shown throughout his career a deep understanding and commitment to making communities healthier places in order to prevent people from getting sick and injured in the first place. His leadership will be essential to passing strong prevention oriented health reform that takes the health of entire communities into account."
"We could not ask for a more committed, capable, compassionate, and experienced leader than Senator Harkin," said Doug Dority, president of America's Agenda. "Like Senator Ted Kennedy who preceded him as chairman, Senator Harkin has always been a friend and supporter of our nation's hard-working families. We look forward to continuing to share ideas with Senator Harkin for passing health-care reform this year."
About America's Agenda: America's Agenda brings together U.S. businesses, labor unions and government leaders who share a common commitment to achieving access to affordable, high-quality health care for every American. For more information, visit www.americasagenda.org
About Prevention Institute: Prevention Institute is a non-profit national center dedicated to improving community health and well-being, and is recognized as one of the nation's leading expert on prevention.
