Editor:

A government-sponsored “public plan” option continues to be the most contentious issue in the current health reform debate. It lets Americans choose between a government-run option and private insurers, while at the same time applying competitive pressure to the rest of the insurance industry. Opponents say the introduction of a public plan would lead to the federal takeover of the country’s healthcare system, thereby restricting patient choice, reducing quality and increasing the massive power of the federal government.

As health legislation continues to be debated, one has to ask whether members of Congress writing such legislation would actually enroll themselves in a new government-run healthcare option. Current draft healthcare legislation curiously exempts members of Congress from the public plan option, allowing them to keep their existing plans.

U.S. Rep. John Fleming (R-LA), is asking this very question, noting that public servants should be accountable and responsible for what they are advocating. He has created a resolution calling on members of Congress who support a public option to enroll themselves and encourage their colleagues to do the same. If members of Congress believe so strongly that government-run health care is the best solution for hard working American families, it is only fitting they lead the way.

We urge every member of the Alabama congressional delegation to support this resolution and broaden it to include congressional staff as well.

Alabama Policy Institute

Birmingham, AL