Someone like you, or a group of people, or a legislator thinks of an idea that they think would be a good (for example) health policy. The legislator and the people that work for them turn the idea into a bill. First this new bill is read to everyone in the House. Then the bill is sent to the correct House committee. The members of the committee talk about the bill. The committee might change what the bill says. If the committee thinks the bill is a good health policy then the bill is sent back to the House of Representatives. Now, everyone in the House of Representatives votes on the bill. If most of the House members like the bill and vote yes, then the bill is sent to the Senate. The bill now goes to the Senate committee to review. If the committee members like the bill, they send the bill back to the Senate.
At this point, all the Senators vote on the bill. If the Senators like the bill, they vote yes. Now, the bill goes to the states Governor or if it's on the federal level, it goes to the President. If the Governor/President signs the bill it is approved. If the Governor/President vetos the bill, the bill is rejected. (The Congress with a two-thirds yes vote can override a presidential veto.) Once the Governor signs the bill it becomes a law of that particular State. When the President signs a bill it becomes the law of the Land (USA).
You can call or write your legislator concerning an issue that you feel should be addressed. The legislator can use what you have to say when he or she discusses this issue with the committee that makes decisions related to your particular concerns. You can call or write the legislator that represents your community. Or you can write or call a legislator that is a member of the committee that talks about your issue.
Legislators are people like you and me.
They want to hear from you, the voters who live in their community.
You vote for them. They want your vote.
They work for you. It is their job to help people like you.
Write A Letter
Tips to use when writing letters:
Write a short letter - one page is fine.
A handwritten letter is better.
Note: Since 9/11 some legislators prefer E-mail.
It's probably a good idea to check your legislators Website before communicating.
Sample Letter
Representative Sue Q. Doe
House of Representatives
Raleigh, NC 27601-1096
or
Senator William J. Doe
North Carolina Senate
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
Dear Senator Doe:
I am writing to you as a voter in your community. I am concerned that too many people in North Carolina do not have Health insurance. I believe the government of North Carolina should make sure that everybody has health insurance. I hope that you will vote for bills that will help everyone receive health insurance.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
Sincerely,
Joan P. Citizen
2222 Any Street
Littletown, NC 28000
Make A Phone Call
Tips for making calls to your legislator.
You can call your legislator at their office at the Capitol or their
office in your local area.
Tell them who you are and where you are from.
Let them know if you are also calling for other people in your community.
Tell them why you are calling.
Be polite.
Speak slowly.
Keep your cool.
If they can't help you, ask if they know who can help you.
Write down that person's name and number.
If you reach a machine, LEAVE a MESSAGE!
Leave your name and phone number and the reason for your call.
Keep a record of who you called, when you called, and why you called.
Remember to thank them for their time.
To find out which legislator represents you: Click Here and follow the links.
Most of the information on this page was culled from "How YOU Can Work for Better Healthcare" By Holly Franklin. To find more info of this type Click Here.
DID YOU KNOW... On examining the vital statistics for 1995 of 20 industrialized countries, it becomes clear that we definitely have a big problem with the overall approach to medical care in America. In 1993 the cost of health care in the US was almost three thousand three hundred dollars per person, which ranked the highest cost of healthcare per capita in the world (the 2nd highest was 50% less!). Despite the staggering healthcare costs, US was 17th (out of 20) in life expectancy! On the other hand, Japan and Sweden are ranked #1 and #2 in longevity despite having healthcare costs of 50% to 75% less per capita than the US. According to World Health Organization (WHO), the main reason is that other developed countries approach prevention and treatment in a very different manner - they even use alternative solutions that are barely tolerated or rather expressly discouraged in America despite their proven and well documented successes. Prevention is always much higher on the agenda of the citizens and governments of the countries on the top of the list. On the other hand if a doctor in America dares to introduce a natural, less costly method to a patient, no matter how safe or effective, his medical license can be revoked and he can be prosecuted and persecuted in many ways.
In 1999 life expectancy standing in the US plummeted from #17 to #24 in the world according to the World Health Organization whose Dr. Christopher Murray, M.D., Ph.D. had this to say about it: "Basically you die earlier and spend more time disabled if you are an American rather than a member of most other advanced countries."
The World Health Organization, the United Nations specialized agency for health, was established on 7 April 1948. WHO's objective, as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health is defined in WHO's Constitution as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. To visit the World Health Organization web site: Click Here
DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions expressed on this blog are not an endorsement or recommendation for any medical treatment, product or course of action by One For The Aging. For medical, legal or other advice, please consult appropriate professionals of your choice.
Return to TOP
