Marko Liias

The passage of historic health care reform legislation is a victory for every Washingtonian!  From small business owners that will receive new tax credits to everyday consumers that will receive better care at lower cost, this new law could not come at a better time.

Already, the forces of division and bitter partisanship are marshaling to destroy the progress that we have made together.  Under the guise of the 10th amendment, they would seek to undo the most cherished tenet of our constitution, equal protection under the law.

Every person in our state deserves access to quality, affordable health care.  Without the reforms that just passed into law, health insurance companies and special interests would continue to profit from an inefficient system.

Without the reforms, the emergency room would remain the only option for millions of our fellow citizens, at tremendous cost to the rest of us.  Ensuring access to low-cost preventive care means that more families will have a family doctor to turn to, before the emergency room.

These reforms are critical to our community, and we cannot allow the voices of a few critics and special interests to undermine reform for the whole nation.

For the youngest, there are immediate protections against preexisting condition limits.  For those in their 20s, the new law means a young person can stay on their parent's plan longer.

For those that are middle-aged and middle class, there are tax credits for businesses and individuals to help everyone afford health insurance.

For those that are at retirement, there is a new reinsurance option to help employers extend care to early retirees.  And for seniors already on Medicare, the new law will guarantee a true prescription drug benefit.

And finally, here in Washington, the new law will help our state continue to maintain the Basic Health Plan and our Apple Care for Kids, two examples of public plans that provide high quality care at very low cost.

This is real reform for our country, but it will mean real benefits for our community.

For more information on what is included in the new health care reform law, click here.