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AFL-CIO Releases President Bush's Dismal Record on Health Care as First Lady Visits Langhorne to Tout the Administration's So-Called Reforms

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President William M. George today criticized President Bush's health reform plan as asmokescreen to try and draw people's attention away from the Administration'sown dismal record of ignoring the crisis and standing in the way of real reforms. "President Bush's record on health care has been consistent; his administration has sided with the powerful insurance and drug companies in defending the status quo and opposing every attempt to make quality,
affordable health care available to every man, woman and child," George said. The Bush Record:

Since Bush took office the number of uninsured Americans rose by nearly 4 million. (Families USA)
Nearly 44 million Americans lack health insurance coverage. (US Census Bureau)
During at least some part of 2002 and 2003, nearly 82 million American between the ages of 18 and 65 did not have health insurance. (Families USA)
Since Bush took office, the cost of family health insurance has increased more than $2,700. (Kaiser Family Foundation, Health Research and Education Trust)
Workers' share of family health care premiums has increased by nearly 50 percent from 2001 to 2004. (Kaiser Family Foundation)

"The health care crisis is a major issue in the Presidential election and Senator John Kerry believes as we do that quality health care should be available and affordable for all people. Kerry's health plan will extend coverage to 96 percent of all Americans and lower costs for working families and small business. Bush's plan is to allow the health care crisis to continue with even higher premiums and fewer working families with quality health care," George concluded.

SOURCE Pennsylvania AFL-CIO