This is a proud day for Vermonters. While other states are busy fighting federal reform and slashing their health care programs, Vermont has raised the bar with the passage of H.202. Our elected leaders deserve great credit for bucking the national trend and choosing patients over profits.
Today, our state Senate followed the lead of the House in standing up to a health care industry that has taken the care out of health care. H.202 marks a bold step forward on cost control, public accountability, and equity — all of which will help ensure that every Vermonter has access to the care they need, at a price they can afford.
VPIRG applauds Governor Shumlin, Speaker Smith, and Senate President Pro Tem Campbell for marshalling the forces to make this critical step possible. Although many difficult decisions lie ahead, we know that the majority of Vermonters are ready for change.
The next step will be the Conference Committee where they will combine both the House and the Senate’s versions of the bill.