Bedford, NY – Wednesday night, U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-Dover) held his first of two public forums scheduled for this week. The standing room only crowd at Fox Lane High School, in Bedford, burst past the 600 available seats to an estimated 800 present as the event started.  The event is a continuation of Congressman Hall’s Health Care Listening Tour, which he has been conducting since May of this year. Congressman Hall has hosted over 80 events on the issues of health care since entering Congress in 2007.

 

The event was at times contentious, as residents voiced their hopes and concerns about health care reform legislation. Though many of the opponents of health care reform created intentional disruptions to the event, Congressman Hall addressed their concerns thoroughly and respectfully.

 

As the event approached its intended end-time, moderator Peter Harckham, a Westchester County Legislator, sought to end the event with a final question. Nevertheless, Congressman Hall continued taking questions beyond the event's planned ending, in the interest of hearing from as many attendees as possible.

 

"As Congress returns to Washington next week, I look forward to bringing the perspectives I've heard in the Hudson Valley with me, to help shape this important legislation," said Congressman Hall. "As we work to reform the nation's broken health care system, I will be keeping the voices of my constituents fresh in my mind."

 

 

Though most of the event was dedicated to questions from the audience, Congressman Hall began with a summation of his views on the health care crisis and the steps towards fixing it.

 

"Americans have been stuck with a broken health care system for far too long. Health care costs are soaring out of control. Premiums have doubled in nine years, growing three times faster than wages," Congressman Hall said. "Too often, one accident or major illness means financial disaster.  No one should ever have to choose between saving their life and their life savings."

 

Hall continued, "I know we can do better. And we all deserve better. We need a sound, stable health care system that will expand access and provide high quality health care choices to all Americans. These choices must be affordable and must provide comprehensive coverage. Although details are still being worked out, the reform bills before Congress would be a great improvement."

 

Congressman Hall will be hosting an additional health care forum in the Auditorium of the Orange County Emergency Services Center, Thursday, September 3rd, at 7pm. The center is located at 22 Wells Farm Road, in Goshen, NY.

 

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