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Public Option Compromise Gains Steam

Proposal creates national plan but lets states opt out

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 8, 2009 5:31 PM CDT

(Newser) – The public option lives: both conservative and liberal Democrats seem to like an idea proposed by Chuck Schumer to establish a national health plan but allow states to opt out if they so choose. Conservative Ben Nelson has backed it, and a spokesman for Max Baucus said he might join in if he's sure of 60 votes. "The idea is still very young, and has a long way to go," writes Brian Beutler of Talking Points Memo. "But it seems to be finding friends very quickly."

Howard Dean said he would vote for it if he were in Congress because it's genuine reform, while the director of Health Care for America Now said the proposal is “clearly much better than triggers and opt-ins." The talks continue as Baucus' committee scheduled a vote on Tuesday for its long-awaited bill, notes the Washington Post.

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Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, July 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., questions Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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I am optimistic that there will be some kind of public option in the bill the president signs. I'm very optimistic. - Chuck Schumer, NY Senator

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 13 comments

Toon

Oct 9, 2009 12:33 PM CDT

If I was greedy I'd say pass it because my state will go for the public option and that would mean more job security since it would reduce the danger of being axed because of health insurance costs to my employer and a healthier local economy because of lower unemployment and companies retaining their most experienced worker. However is it really in the nation's best interest if Mississippi gets poorer because they think the public good is not the goal of public employees.

RockyPneumonia

Oct 9, 2009 9:15 AM CDT

You're right, riffran, because TB and other communicable diseases are smart enough and xenophobic enough to know NOT to spread from an uninsured immigrant community to, well, you.

riffran

Oct 9, 2009 6:40 AM CDT

I have mixed veiws on the subject...I don't think illegals should get squat...Some people cannot afford care, and need help..I'm good with that, help them. Some people are too lazy to get off their welfare check to get a job....cut them out, unless they can provide proof that they are either getting an education and trying to better themselves, and attending and passing a school of some sort, (trade or otherwise, and there are programs that help with that..I'm good with those too), drug free, or actively seeking a realistic job equal to their ability....and I do realize that there are special cases..such as a mother of four or so, fleeing for her and her childrens life, from an abuser, or similar bad situations...I agree to help them also..(thats why me and the wifey donate food and clothes to a local battered womens shelter)....and they should set rules to abide by to receive free care, and if you dont follow those rules tough poopski...go away

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Public Option Compromise Gains Steam