| February 24, 2009 | For More Information Contact: Ed Shelleby (202) 662-3602 |
WASHINGTON, DC – Today Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman released the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s State of the Nation address:
“As our nation and world face a deep and lengthy recession, President Obama again stepped forward to offer solutions for putting America’s economy back on track. President Obama understands that health care reform is central to economic recovery, and I applaud him for making health care reform a legislative centerpiece of 2009. As the President said, the path will not be easy or quick, but his plan will help return America to economic stability, and I look forward to working with him to ensure a level playing field for every child.
“In 2009, our nation has a new leader and the opportunity for all of us to come together to ensure our children and families are given the chance to lead healthy lives. His address to the nation built upon this momentum and left Americans with hope that his Administration and Congress will continue to invest in the health of children and families. Action must be taken now to give every person in America the option of a public health insurance plan that will guarantee that everyone—including every child—can get quality, affordable health coverage. Reforming our health care system this year will result in a healthier, more competitive workforce for our nation and is therefore one of the most fiscally responsible actions we can take. I sincerely applaud President Obama for committing to address our broken health care system.”
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