Barack_Obama Your hard work helped make health reform a reality. Co-sign this historic legislation with me http://j.mp/9PqxWW - March 26 add/view comments (0)

At a White House reception celebrating Cinco de Mayo, President Obama called on Democrats and Republicans in Congress to work together and pass comprehensive immigration reform. The President also spoke out against the new law in Arizona, which gives law enforcement officials new authority to inquire about citizenship and ask for immigration papers. President Obama emphasized how the law in Arizona shows the need for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level, and has instructed his administration to monitor it and examine possible civil rights implications.

The New York Times reported on Arizona's new law:

"The law (in Arizona), which proponents and critics alike said was the broadest and strictest immigration measure in generations, would make the failure to carry immigration documents a crime and give the police broad power to detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. Opponents have called it an open invitation for harassment and discrimination against Hispanics regardless of their citizenship status."

President Obama at yesterday's reception:

"America’s diversity is America’s strength. That’s why I spoke out against the recently passed law in Arizona. Make no mistake, our immigration system is broken. And after so many years in which Washington has failed to meet its responsibilities, Americans are right to be frustrated, including folks along border states. But the answer isn’t to undermine fundamental principles that define us as a nation. We can’t start singling out people because of who they look like, or how they talk, or how they dress. We can’t turn law-abiding American citizens —- and law-abiding immigrants —- into subjects of suspicion and abuse. We can’t divide the American people that way. That’s not the answer. That’s not who we are as the United States of America.

And that’s why I’ve instructed my administration to closely monitor the new law in Arizona, to examine the civil rights and other implications that it may have. That’s why we have to close the door on this kind of misconceived action by meeting our obligations here in Washington.

So I want to say it again, just in case anybody is confused. The way to fix our broken immigration system is through common-sense, comprehensive immigration reform... We need bipartisan support. But it can be done. And it needs to be done. So I was pleased to see a strong proposal for comprehensive reform presented in the Senate last week —- and I was pleased that it was based on a bipartisan framework. I want to begin work this year, and I want Democrats and Republicans to work with me -- because we’ve got to stay true to who we are, a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants."

Watch a video of the President’s full remarks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkJorZN2xoM

This week, I gathered with members of Congress, my administration, and hardworking volunteers from every part of the country to sign comprehensive health care reform into law. Thanks to the immeasurable efforts of so many, the dream of reform is now a reality.

The bill puts Americans in charge of our own health care by enacting three key changes:

1. It establishes the toughest patient protections in history.
2. It guarantees all Americans affordable health insurance options, extending coverage to 32 million who are currently uninsured.  
3. And it reduces the cost of care -- cutting over 1 trillion dollars from the federal deficit over the next two decades.

To ensure a successful, stable transition, many of these changes will phase into full effect over the next several years.

But for millions of Americans, many of the benefits of reform will begin this year -- some even taking effect this week. Here are just a few examples:

• Small businesses will receive significant tax cuts, this year, to help them afford health coverage for all their employees.  
• Seniors will receive a rebate to reduce drug costs not yet covered under Medicare.
• Young people will be allowed coverage under their parents' plan until the age of 26.
• Early retirees will receive help to reduce premium costs.  
• Children will be protected against discrimination on the basis of medical history.

Uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions can join a special high-risk pool to get the coverage they need, starting in just 90 days.

Insured Americans will be protected from seeing their insurance revoked when they get sick, or facing restrictive annual limits on the care they receive.

All Americans will benefit from significant new investments to train primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals, and the creation of state-level consumer assistance programs to help all patients understand and defend our new rights.

As I've said many times, and as I know to be true, this astounding victory could not have been achieved without your tireless efforts.

So as we celebrate this great day, I want to invite you to add your name where it belongs: alongside mine as a co-signer of this historic legislation. Organizing for America will record the names of co-signers as a permanent commemoration of those who came together to make this moment possible -- all of you who refused to give up until the dream of many generations for affordable, quality care for all Americans was finally fulfilled.

So, if you haven't yet, please add your name as a proud health care reform co-signer today.

Please accept my thanks for your voice, for your courage, and for your indispensable partnership in the great work of creating change.

History, and I, are in your debt.

President Barack Obama

Mitch Stewart, Director of Organizing for America, recently sent the following message:

Members of Congress will begin debating President Obama's budget this week, with a vote likely set for next week.

What you do now will decide what kind of debate they have -- one that's dominated by special interests and partisan voices intent on keeping the status quo, or one that reflects the priorities of citizens like you.

Call your elected representatives now to let them know where you stand.

Last week, thousands canvassed their communities to talk with neighbors about the need for a new direction. Now, it's time to take that message to Washington.

We can't afford to ignore the long-term threats to our prosperity. Now is the time to build the foundation for a recovery that lasts.

Your representatives need to know you support:

• Renewable energy to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil
• Making health care more affordable for every American by cutting costs
• Improving education so our children are prepared for the jobs of the 21st Century

Get your representatives' contact information now and make your voice heard:

http://my.barackobama.com/callcongress

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America