NJ Regional Vice President Visits with Rep. Donald Payne and Sen. Frank Lautenberg

New Jersey Regional Vice President Dr. Snehal Bhatt presented giant holiday cards calling for “hope and change in 2009” to Sen. Frank Lautenberg and Rep. Donald Payne in December. The cards were a friendly reminder to make health care reform a priority as the legislators ushered in the New Year.

Dr. Bhatt surprised Rep. Payne at his annual holiday party.  “He voiced his support for Health Care for America NOW! (HCAN), and for working with the unions toward favorably resolving the universal health care situation,” Dr. Bhatt said. Rep. Payne was happy to agree to a future meeting to discuss some of CIR’s issues relating to patient advocacy and supporting our hospitals in these troubled financial times.
 
A staff person for Sen. Lautenberg met with CIR and was very receptive as well, Dr. Bhatt said.
 
Both Lautenberg and Payne have signed the Health Care for America NOW! pledge, promising that they would work to expand access for all Americans, and Dr. Bhatt’s visits served as a reminder that New Jersey interns and residents are counting on them to follow through as the new Congress begins its work this year.

Dr. Bhatt said it was great to end the year knowing that his representatives were aware of the challenges facing residents and their patients, and appreciated the urgent need for health care reform.