Houstonians Need Health Coverage

On Saturday, 2,000 uninsured Houstonians visited Reliant Center to receive much needed free medical attention. The health clinic was hosted by the National Association of Free Clinics and Dr. Mehmet Oz, who chose Houston as a site because 1 in 3 Harris County residents are uninsured. Individuals attending included many who lost their insurance once they lost their jobs and those who could no longer afford their rising insurance premiums or deductibles. Dr. Oz called the current health crisis facing America, which has left millions of Americans without health care, a "national catastrophe." For more information, read yesterday's Houston Chronicle article, which includes a short video, here.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that a merged health insurance reform bill will emerge from the Senate Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committees and hit the Senate floor in mid-October. I will be there with my colleagues from the Progressive States Network to ensure passage of legislation that will insure millions of Americans and bring security and stability to those who are insured. I promise to keep you up to date as this important issue continues to progress.