(BLACK PR WIRE) WASHINGTON -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Representative Calvin Smyre (GA), President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), applauds the passage of the Health Care Reform Act and issues the following statement.

“Late yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the most sweeping healthcare legislation in over 45 years.”

“The bill represents a momentous accomplishment in that it expands health coverage, reforms the practices of the insurance industry and helps to contain spiraling healthcare costs. This goes a long way towards providing what should be a basic fundamental right to the uninsured and securing the financial prosperity of the middle class.”

“While we strongly support and celebrate the passing of this legislation, we must temper our celebrations because the struggle continues. Presently, resolutions and bills have been introduced in the legislatures of thirty-six states to circumscribe or outright oppose the new health measures. Two states have already enacted laws to that effect. Many states are concerned about the financial burdens that will likely ensue due to Medicaid expansion. It is against this backdrop that we must vigilantly continue our efforts to ensure the implementation of healthcare reform to provide much needed relief to our citizens and constituents. We thank our members and supporters for their steadfast efforts in making healthcare reform a reality, but we also ask that they remain vocal in their support as the new legislation is implemented.”

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is a membership association representing more than 600 African American state legislators hailing from 42 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. NBCSL members represent more than 50 million Americans of various racial backgrounds. NBCSL monitors federal and state activity and provides this information to its members through policy symposiums and conferences. Each year, NBCSL members pass policy resolutions that directly impact federal and state policy. The organization focuses on issues that directly impact US domestic policy and is committed to policies that positively affect all Americans.

Source: NBCSL

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