Senator - More children are diagnosed with autism than cancer, aids and diabetes combined yet the CDC and other government and medical agencies don't consider this an epidemic and funding for research and treatment is tiny compared to the problem. And what about health insurance for autism, it is non-existent on the federal level and is being tackled state by state. Also, there are more than 30 vaccines currently given to young children in the US with more on the way yet there have only been studies (that many feel are biased as they are funded by vaccine makers) on the MMR and on one ingredient in some of the shots, Thimersol. Why hasn't there been a vaccinated vs. unvaccinated study. It is sorely needed as many parents and health experts believe that vaccines are the cause of autism. How can anyone say vaccines are safe when they haven't all been tested. The CDC and the government have the money for this type of study. Earlier this year, the CDC did a study on how pets trip their owners. (Link to NY Times story) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/health/28pets.html It is amazing to me that more is not done for these poor children. The medical establishment and the CDC don't know what causes autism but they have no problem saying it isn't vaccines. Really? I believe it is time for an independent agency to direct the safety and testing of vaccines. You cannot have an agency that is an advocate for vaccines be involved in the testing of these. And why does regressive autism appear right about the same time as many of the heavy vaccines like the MMR. What does the CDC and other experts say about this - just a coincidence. What are your views on these issues and what are you and the Congress going to do to cure autism. There are many eyes and ears on you. Thank you.

Non-Political Health Care Reform Option First, I would like to say that I get free health care as a Soldier, but so many of my family and friends don’t and so I feel I have an obligation to add some constructive criticism that is above the political fray to help them and all Americans… So, why is “Health Care Reform” a Democrat or Republican issue? Does political affiliation really matter? Why not look at it from an “American” point of view, since ALL of us are affected equally when it comes to health care, right? Well, except for the President and Members of Congress who have the best Health Care Plan our tax dollars can buy! I propose the following option, which neither President Obama/Democrats or Republicans have even offered…A REAL “Pay-as-you-go” Health Care System: 1) A cost review that averages the last three years is conducted to determine Health Care cost during Tax Season and the money (based on standards listed below) will be deducted from Tax Returns or individuals will be billed at that time. 2) Those who make less than $20,000 gross income (individual)/$40,000 gross income (couple), pay $240 annually (that’s $20 per month). 3) Those how make $20,000-50,000 gross income (individual)/$40,000-100,000 gross income (couple), pay $600 annually (that’s $50 per month) 4) Those who make over $50,000 gross income (individual) /$100,000 gross income pay the average of the remaining average balance. 5) In addition, there should be a “Health Care Tax” of .05 cents added to items that are less than 60% healthy for consumption or use. Example, Tobacco Products, Alcohol (possibly minus Wine), foods and beverages, etc. Some foods/beverages are good and bad for you, like eggs, milk, bread, etc. The FDA could help establish taxable guidelines. This money could potentially make up the difference. 6) If we have a deficit after those taxes are collected, the federal government should be able to make up the difference, but if there is s surplus, the funds will go against the following year and we can pay a reduced amount (a tax break for everyone!) I know my plan probably has some flaws and it can be honed by those who know more about the costs of Health Care, but I think my idea is far better than the political crap that Congress and the President are proposing. GCP

Can you please explain to me how private insurance agencies will be able to compete with a government agency that does not need to make a profit to survive? That will be able to print money in order to stay in business? On page 16 of the house bill it essentially makes it illegal for insurance companies to enroll new customers on the day that this bill goes into effect. The point is that they won't be able to stay in business. Which, if we are being honest, seems to be the goal of the current administration. Despite recent denials, Obama has stated many times that his goal is to have a single payer system. Barney Frank, Pelosi and many other leaders in the government have said the same. A single payer system would reduce the quality and quantity of care for EVERYONE. Also, many have estimated that up to 100 million people would lose their private insurance if this bill passes. What company wouldn't want to offload their health care expenses to the government? Especially when they are going to taxes and penalized for not doing so. The other issue is that our country cannot afford this right now. You say that many just oppose reform. I don't think that is it. Many support reform, but support it in the private sector. Why not start out with reforms that will not increase the deficit? Torte reform, opening up insurance companies to competing across state lines, eliminate pre-existing conditions, educating the uninsured about HSA accounts. HSA accounts are great, but Obama wants to shut them down completely. He also doesn't believe in tort reform. And while we are at it, there are many items in this bill that seem to have more to do with control than healthcare. In the bill it states that government agents will be able to come into my home to educate me about how to parent my children. It is ridiculous. I am praying this bill does not pass. And no, that does not mean I am opposed to reform. Just this kind of reform.