Obama adviser pushes health-care reform

Mar 9, 2010 — The Columbus Dispatch

Mark Niquette

Mar. 9, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- With President Barack Obama hitting the road to stump for health-care legislation, one of his advisers said in Columbus today that the nation needs an up-or-down vote in Congress soon to pass the proposal.

"The American people have waited a very long time for health-insurance reform," Obama senior adviser Valerie B. Jarrett said. "We have debated the issue for over a year now, and everybody's voices have all been heard. Now, it's time to come to closure."

Jarrett traveled to Columbus to speak at "Momentum 2010," the second day of a two-day summit to promote the status of women and girls in education, economics and health.

The president held a rally in suburban Philadelphia today, reportedly drawing a comment from House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester, that the president's latest sales pitch is "heavy on snake oil" and light on reality.

But in a brief interview, Jarrett said she thinks the administration will prevail in passing a bill because the American public generally supports key provisions of the health-care overhaul.

"We really just can't delay any more," she said. "I have confidence in the American people that as they begin to understand the component parts of the bill and what's in it for them, then they are very supportive of it."

Jarrett also touched on health-care issues during her keynote speech at the day-long summit at the Riffe Center today, which also was International Women's Day.

"When women do not get a chance to see a doctor, when children do not have adequate care, our communities suffer, our country suffers," she said. "We're made weaker, not stronger, and that's why the president is working tirelessly on providing health-insurance reform now for our country. Now."

Jarrett leads the White House Council on Women and Girls that Obama created a year ago. Today, Gov. Ted Strickland signed an executive order to establish the Ohio Council on Women and Girls.

The state council, which includes representatives from across state government, is expected to meet quarterly with tasks including making recommendations to the governor on legislation and other policies affecting women and girls.

Besides today's summit, led by first lady Frances Strickland, a forum for girls ages 12 to 18 was held Sunday at the Columbus School for Girls.

Jarrett and other speakers noted that women have made progress but remain underrepresented in leadership positions in government and businesses.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared in a two-minute video shown at the summit saying, "We cannot meet the challenges confronting us at home and around the world ... if half the world's population is left behind or left out."

Clinton called the governor and his wife "dear friends" and thanked them "for their leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women."

Jarrett also praised Gov. Strickland, who is expected to face a tough campaign for re-election, saying she always returns his calls.

"This is my secret weapon in the White House," Strickland joked after greeting Jarrett in the Cabinet Room at the governor's office.

mniquette@dispatch.com

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