MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dawkins, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Butler, Butler (36th), Horhn, Simmons, Jordan, Harden
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA FOR ENACTING THE HISTORIC "PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT" OF 2010, THE FIRST NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PLAN.
WHEREAS, on March 23, 2010, a new universal healthcare program, titled the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" of 2010, was signed into law by President Barack Obama; and
WHEREAS, the passage of the first national health care plan is truly an historic event. Health care has been a top issue for the United States with ideas and proposals pending around since the Nixon Administration; and
WHEREAS, for health care reform to finally come about now in the midst of a world recession in the face of solid opposition is a political feat that would not have been thought possible a year ago. President Obama has achieved what former presidents, Democrat and Republican, were not able to accomplish in health care; and
WHEREAS, the facts were clear that the nation's health care system not only was not serving the nation in terms of access and affordability, but also was not sustainable in the long run for taxpayers and something had to be done; and
WHEREAS, for average Americans, however, the legislation solves some basic issues: It will mean 32 million Americans without health care will now have access. People cannot be denied based on preexisting conditions. Individuals and small businesses will have access to health care exchanges to provide access to more affordable care. Parents will be able to keep children under their plans longer. Medicare recipients will receive better prescription drug coverage. Health care will be more affordable and accessible to those middle- and lower-income Americans left out of the current employer-based, private insurance administered system; and
WHEREAS, this legislation is complex and it certainly is not perfect and its impact on states remains a question. But the passage of health care reform was a needed step that had to be taken:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the United States Congress and President Barack Obama for enacting the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" of 2010, the first national health care plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to President Barack Obama and to members of the Mississippi congressional delegation and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.