Healthcare

"With every teacher we lay off, hundreds of students face larger class sizes and less individual attention – and all the studies show that these are among the most important variables in determining the success of our students," Congressman Garamendi said. "Today, I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues in the House to stand with our teachers and students, because the prosperity of our great nation depends on a well-educated workforce."

"These insurance companies are holding onto beneficiaries’ money for years after the deaths of loved ones without informing them that their money is not earning a market interest rate and is not FDIC insured," Garamendi added.

"The Women Veterans Fair was a great chance for our brave women veterans to learn about the benefits they have earned for their service to our country," Congressman Garamendi said, "I am glad so many were able to attend, and I hope they found the event useful."

"Over the coming months, seniors who fall into the Medicare Part D donut hole will receive $250 rebate checks in the mail," Congressman Garamendi explained. "This first step marks the beginning of the end of the donut hole, which because of our new health care reform laws, will completely close by 2020."

Garamendi added, "Checks are in the mail to provide relief to millions of seniors trapped in the Medicare Part D prescription drug donut hole. With $250 this year, a 50 percent discount on name brand prescription drugs next year, and the complete closure of the donut hole by 2020, seniors are getting the financial relief they deserve from health care reform. To those who want to repeal health care reform, I have only one question, 'Which senior’s check do you want to take away first?'"

"This year, adults with preexisting conditions will be able to enroll in a high risk pool to make sure they finally have basic health care protections in preparation for full integration into our insurance system. This year, discrimination against children with preexisting conditions will end. This year, insurance companies will not be able to kick people off of their insurance because they are sick. This year, seniors stuck in the Medicare Part D donut hole will receive a $250 rebate and next year will see their prescription drug costs in the donut hole reduced by 50 percent. This year, small businesses will receive up to a 35 percent tax credit to help pay for health coverage for their employees. This year, new insurance plans will be required to offer free preventative care. This year, young adults up to the age of 26 will be allowed to stay on their parents’ health plan. This year, early retirees aged 55-64 will see additional relief to help them afford health coverage."

"In the fight to extend health coverage to every man, woman, and child, this bill is an incredibly important beginning. But it's still just a beginning. 'A more perfect union' implies that the progress of the American experience is never complete. Each subsequent generation is expected to pick up the torch and continue on our long road toward positive change. Today the House of Representatives bestowed upon this great nation the most historic health reform since Medicare. I am proud to have voted 'yes' for health care reform. I won't live to see a perfect union, but it is a tremendous honor to see a more perfect union formed before my eyes."