How to View and Voice Your Opinion on the Health Care Reform Act of 2009

Are you tired of being told what is in the Health Care Reform Act by the media and politicians? Those who are for the bill that will be heading to Congress only tell you the advantages of the bill while those who are against it only report the negative effects of the bill. This can be very confusing to many Americans because we are not seeing the whole picture accurately. Because this bill is so controversial, it is important for all Americans to be able to understand it and to let their senators know how they feel about it. Here is how you can read the bill and let your senators know how you feel about it before they re-adjourn in September.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
   Don't Let This Bill be Signed into Law Without Reading It Yourself

   Read the Bill – Don’t let others tell you what is in the bill, read it for yourself. Yes, it does contain over 1,100 pages and you really have to wade through a lot of boring language in order to read it, but it is important for all Americans to really understand this bill. The bill is published in full at: www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3200/text. The link is also below. Be sure to save this site as a favorite because it will probably take a few days to read it and you may not want to save such a big file to your computer or print that many pages.

2. 
   Thomas Jefferson Would Have Read a Bill Before Signing

   Make Note of Important Points – Write down or highlight the parts of the bill that you like and dislike. Note them verbatim and also note where they appear in the bill for future reference.

3. 
   Write Your Senators before Congress Reconvenes

   Contact Your Senators – Whether there are points that you like or dislike, contact your senators to let them know which parts of the bill you are for or against. When the senators reconvene from their break and begin work in September, they may make their own changes to the bill. They have until the 15th of September to come up with changes. Knowing what the people want may help to make positive changes to the bill. It is important for everyone to get involved and try their best to let their senators know how they feel. You can find contact information for your state’s senators at this website: www.opencongress.org/people/senators Below is also a link to this site.

4. 
   Being American Means Being a Part of the System

   Be a Part of the System - America is a wonderful country where people do have a say if they so choose. Don’t let this important health care reform bill go through without completely understanding it and having a say. We can all make a difference by letting our politicians know what we think and what we want.

Tips & Warnings

• Write effective e-mails and letters to your senators by stating facts in a professional manner.
• Call your senators if you don't have time for writing.

Resources

• Health Care Reform Act of 2009
• Find and Contact Your Senators

[ramblin62]

on 9/16/2009 Well-written, thoughtful article approached from an open perspective--which is so nice for a change. Even though changes are already presented, it's still important for us to voice our opinions about this health care reform act. TX for a great article topic.

[lighthouse1958]

on 9/15/2009 A very touchy article. There sure are alot of opinions out there. 5*

[believeinfamily]

on 8/27/2009 Useful tips to voice your opinion on Healthcare Reform. 5*

[rainlysa]

on 8/25/2009 Very helpful info, thanx for sharing this. 5*

[liliales]

on 8/24/2009 Good article. This is such an important issue!