To the Editor:
I have been following the discussions surrounding the health care reform act currently under development in Washington, DC.
I agree we need to ensure every American citizen who wants health insurance receives it, but let's not confuse that with establishing a government-run program. As a retiree, I have experienced the inadequacies of the government’s Medicare program.
We need the health insurance carriers to come to the table with the health care providers and the government to redesign the current health insurance programs so we can select and pay for those parts of the coverage important to us. We need the government’s assistance in keeping the costs for these insurance packages affordable and accessible for all.
We do not need the government to operate the system; leave that to the appropriate experts.
Our government needs to tend to the enforcement of the Constitution, defense of our country and ensuring our rights as Americans are protected.
BARBARA LEBRECHT
Coeymans
Editor’s note: PEF, too, supports national health reform, but believes a strong public option is essential to bringing down costs systemwide and ensuring all Americans can receive the health care they need.
PEF opposes any reduction or taxation of its members’ or retirees’ health benefits.
Wants report on recovery
To the Editor:
The March 2008 issue of The Communicator contained a story about Adam Lepak (the son of PEF members Cindy and Michael Lepak) who was injured in a vehicular accident. Can you tell me if he is recovering?
HARRY FROLICK
New York
Editor’s Note: Adam Lepak is recovering from his brain injury. He can speak, walk with some help and recognize people. He was featured in a story in the August 10 issue of The New York Times. Read it at nytimes.com, by searching for “Adam Lepak.”
She
appreciates PEF scholarshipTo the Editor:
I would like to thank PEF for selecting me as a recipient of the 2009 PEF Joseph A. Scacalossi Scholarship.
I am very honored and will put the money to good use as I continue my college education at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
KATHERINE McKISSICK
Endicott
The Communicator Letters policy
We welcome letters to the editor about union issues and events relevant to PEF's diverse membership. All letters are subject to editing for space, fairness and good taste.
Please keep them brief (up to one page, double-spaced or a maximum of 250 words), and please include your name and phone number for verification.
Send letters to thecommunicator@pef.org:
The Communicator
Public Employees Federation
P.O. Box 12414
Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414
Email to Sherry Halbrook, Editor or Darcy Wells, Editor-In Chief
