Montpelier, Vermont - May 3, 2011
There's a deal on health care reform in the Vermont Statehouse. The bill sets up a board to oversee the design of a new health care exchange, where Vermonters can go to shop for insurance plans starting in 2014. The eventual goal-- move everyone to a single-payer system in 2017.
"Yes, the pace does feel slow. As you heard people have been working on this for 20-25 years, but we have to look at that it is going to happen," said Peg Franzen of the group Health Care is a Human Right.
Democrats touted this as a key accomplishment, working to get that message out right after the compromise.
"This is the first time that a state will take a major step in establishing health care policy and health care as a public good," said Sen. John Campbell, D-Vt. President Pro Tem.
Details like cost will be decided later, but Democratic leaders made it clear all Vermonters will have to pay.
"With that right will come responsibility and we will need everyone to chip in as well," said Rep. Shap Smith, D-Vt. House Speaker.
"I'm concerned about the uncertainties," said Sen. Randy Brock, R-Franklin County.
Republicans say there are too many questions. All voted against the plan except Republican Senator Kevin Mullin, who was on the committee.
"It's the first step therefore of taking away Vermonters' health care choices as they now know it-- the uncertainties for business remain," said Rep. Heidi Scheuermann, R-Stowe.
"If the question is-- are we nervous about this? You'd have to be senseless not to be a little nervous about it. There are so many pieces we need to keep track of," said Sen. Claire Ayer, D-Addison County.
As part of the agreement lawmakers took out the provision that barred undocumented workers from getting health coverage, instead agreeing to study how much coverage for illegal workers would cost.
And as to adjournment, legislative leaders maintain they can wrap up work by Saturday.
Kristin Carlson - WCAX News
