Klobuchar on the Baucus bill: 'It's a good starting point'

[dflprincess]

:puke: alert

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/09/16/klobuchar-health-reform-bill/

St. Paul, Minn. — DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar discussed the ongoing health care reform debate with MPR's Tom Crann and said the $856 billion health care reform bill introduced today by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus is "a good starting point."

She commented favorably on several aspects of the Senate bill, including caps on out-of-pocket spending on health care and the removal of bans on pre-existing medical conditions.

Fees for medical device manufacturers remain a key issue for the DFL senator. Klobuchar said she remains hopeful that the bill can be altered to reduce the financial burden on the medical device industry.

There is also an audio link at the site. I heard the interview this meaning. Amy-kins never once mentioned that there is no public option in the bill, the only thing she complained about was the tax on medical device manufacturers (and I could see her point on that). She mentioned how much pharma would make off the bill but didn't seem to have a problem with that. And, she just gushed about how this bill had the best chance of bipartisan support and a bipartisan bill would be ever so much better for the country, but they'll pass something even without bipartisan support.

Do you think it would do any good to email her again and point out that we need access to health care, not insurance, and her concern should be for the people she (allegedly) represents, not making nice with the Republicans?

[Scruffy1]

1. amy Klobuchar

If I read Amy correctly her saying something is a good starting point is like me saying its a POS. Obviously I'm no diplomat and she is a first term Senator from Minnesota and will have to deal with the ahole Baucus as long as he heads the finance committee-and believe me he is one mean spirited egomaniac. Just remember the senate is no democracy-its really a group of feudal barons all zealously guarding their power. I am confident she will stand firm when she has to. (but I've been backstabbed before). By now she knows Minnesotans overwhelmingly favor a public option.

[dflprincess]

2. Oh, Klobuchar knows what Minnesotans want and that's why

she has refused to take a clear position on health care reform and her staff is unable to tell you anything except she supports "affordable" health care.

She's a closet Blue Dog and is no doubt thrilled with this bill.

[dpbrown]

3. What a load of crap

Minnesotans want single payer.

[myrna minx]

4. She is one flaming disappointment after another.

:puke:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. *sigh* I sure hope there's a real Democrat out there somewhere

who can take her on in the primaries next time.

[Owl]

6. Agreed.

[loveable liberal]

7. FEES??!!... FOR MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURERS??!!!!

AND YES I AM YELLING!!!! Amy, you have been a colossal disappointment from day 1. Medical Device Manufacturers are huge part of the problem. They dont need a reduction in Fees for sh*& sakes, they need to be investigated for collusion and racketeering!!!!!

Good Gravy does this woman office near the 'stupid wave' emitting Bachmann????

Oy.