Michaud announces that he will vote YES

[NWHarkness]

"Today, I will join my colleagues in taking another important step in a journey that began almost a century ago.

After hundreds of meetings, hours of careful consideration, and lots of soul searching, I have decided to lend my support to the historic opportunity that confronts us today. Although I continue to have serious concerns with pieces of the health care reform package, I have decided that being at the table will more effectively advance the interests of the people of Maine than by standing on the sidelines. I will support the bill before the House today because this process must move forward."

Full statement here: http://www.michaud.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=844&Itemid=76

[47of74]

1. Let me translate that into English

"I have decided to lend my support to the historic opportunity that confronts us today. Although I continue to have serious concerns about future contributions from the health insurance industry, I have decided that I like my job too much to vote against the bill after the people of my district made it clear that I'd be one of the first to be voted out next year."

[eShirl]

2. actually

"Most specifically, I remain concerned about parts of the bill that cut Medicare and Medicaid. These cuts would unfairly impact Maine due to our unique situation as having one of the most efficient health care systems in the country, while receiving some of the lowest reimbursement rates for services provided."

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. I called his office. Yesterday, or Thursday. I think.