As co-chairpersons of the Legislature’s Special Select Committee to Study the Feasibility of a Statewide Health Insurance Program, we urge all citizens to make themselves heard on the pressing issue of health care reform. Though most of the attention has been given to various federal reform efforts, the states have been innovators in this area.

The Special Select Committee has just published a draft report that seeks to build on the long list of reforms that Maine has implemented over the past decade. We invite the public to comment on our draft report by attending a public hearing at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. The hearing will be held in Room 228 of the State House in Augusta. Copies of the draft may be obtained by calling 287-1670.

We have already heard from many citizens, and we know that the lack of adequate coverage and the ever-increasing cost of health care concerns everyone. We are looking for guidance and challenging everyone to join us as we take on this important task. Sen. Judy Kany Senate chairperson Rep. Elizabeth Mitchell House Chairperson