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) ...