First Lady: Health Insurance Reform as a Womens Issue

Sept 18, 2009 First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to 140 women's health advocates on how health insurance reform impacts women and families. She also highlights women's crucial role in making sure reform is passed.

Transcript:
MRS. OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you all. Please, sit. Rest. (Laughter.) First of all, good morning. I am so thrilled to see so many of you here this morning at the White House. Welcome. And that's including my good friend, Dr. Dorothy Height. (Applause.) You know, she is always there, for the past eight months and before. If there was a big event, an important event, she finds a way to be here. She is my inspiration, and it is wonderful to see you again today. Thank you so much. (Applause.)




Thank you all for joining us today for the outstanding work you're doing every day on behalf of women and families all across this country. I have to thank our extraordinary Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, for taking the time to be here. (Applause.) And for her tireless efforts to keep our nation healthy. And that includes not just pushing for health insurance reform but preparing us for H1N1, pursuing cutting-edge research to find treatments and cures for tomorrow. Clearly this is not the easiest portfolio she could have, but she is doing a terrific job, and we are grateful for her leadership.

And I also want to thank Tina Tchen, who you all know, for emceeing today. (Applause.) She, too, is doing a fabulous job as Director of our Office of Public Engagement, and she played a critical role in pulling together today's event -- not just as an emcee but as a key figurehead, making sure that we're all aware of what's going on.

And finally, I want to thank the three women behind me -- to Debi, Easter, and Roxi. (Applause.) It is not easy to come here and tell your story. And these stories aren't new. You know, these stories are happening all over this country, not just for thousands of women -- for millions of them. For two years on the campaign ...

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• michelle
• Obama
• michelleobama
• firstlady
• health
• care
• reform
• women
• insurance

[HoneyMyGolden]

Do you think extending health insurance to children up to age 26 is for the poor?With the current unemployment rate this is a shame.Recent graduates who work part time do not qualify.Only if they DO NOT WORK at all. That's because if the employer offers insurance, which is required by law with 50 > employees, they must pay out of pocket for far inferior coverage. Who's children take a year off after graduation? Who's children are working part-time to find work? Rich kids get quality health care.

[travel1949]

hey ostupid, AARP is rasing up to 13% next year because of YOUR health care...hows that hope and change going?