Statement by Randi Weingarten,
President, American Federation of Teachers
On Healthcare Reform-Public Option

WASHINGTON—Healthcare reform must include a public option that provides the real competition needed to help control spiraling costs. Absent such cost containment, we will continue down a road in which high-quality healthcare is further out of reach for many Americans and in which everyone is adversely affected by the drain on our economy.

Healthcare reform needs to happen now, and it needs to take place in an atmosphere that allows for real discussion based on the facts about what is being proposed. An issue of this importance deserves nothing less.

The American Federation of Teachers will continue to support a comprehensive reform bill that makes quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all.

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