Last week we sent off e-mails to our Senators and House Representative regarding our position on Health Care reform. Below is the response we received from Senator Roland Burris, junior Senator from the State of Illinois (the only response we have received thus far).

Dear Bob:

Thank you for writing me with your concerns about health care reform and a public plan option.

From the beginning of the health reform debate, I have expressed support for the inclusion of a public health insurance plan. I consider it essential for private insurers to have healthy market competition, which will increase efficiency and drive down prices. Currently, in Illinois, two insurance companies control 69% of the insurance market. These companies have little incentive to reduce their high administrative and marketing costs because they corner the market. Introducing a public plan that keeps costs low and provides a fair price to consumers would put the pressure on private insurers to change their practices for the better.

As Congress works towards making health reform a reality, my first priority is to ensure quality affordable health insurance for every American. I firmly believe that a public plan option would help to achieve this goal and will advocate for its inclusion in the final health reform bill.

I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Illinoisans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Illinois and the nation. My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation’s politics.

Sincerely,

Roland W. Burris
United States Senator

Thank you Senator Burris for working on behalf of We The People.