Pres Elect seeking input from public on heath care reform

[Guest guest]

copying:

" Providing quality affordable health care for all Americans is one of my top

priorities for this country because our long-term fiscal prospects will have a

hard time improving as long as sky-rocketing health care costs are holding us

all down, " Obama said in a statement on Friday.

" Yet in order for us to reform our health care system, we must first begin

reforming how government communicates with the American people, " he said.

" These Health Care Community Discussions are a great way for the American people

to have a direct say in our health care reform efforts and I encourage Americans

to take part if they are able. "

Former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, Obama's choice for Health and Human

Services secretary, said the meetings would start on December 15 and run through

December 31, before the new president is inaugurated on January 20.

Obama's Internet site www.change.gov asks people to submit ideas for changing

America's costly and inefficient healthcare system, which leaves tens of

millions uninsured.

~ Karl