For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 05, 1996
Statement by Gerald W. McEntee, President, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO on President Clinton's National Commission on Health Care Quality
President Clinton's National Commission on Health Care Quality
Washington, DC —President Clinton announced today the creation of a national commission on health care quality. Gerald W. McEntee, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO -- the nation's largest public employee and health care workers union -- issued the following statement:
"For America's working families, President Clinton's announcement of a national commission on health care quality is just what the doctor ordered.
"Like other Americans, the 1.3 million members of AFSCME -- 350,000 of them health care workers -- have watched with alarm and frustration as chaotic changes in our health care system have too often lead to a decline in both the quality and availability of health care services for working families. In deciding to create this commission, President Clinton has, once again, made it clear that protecting every American's rights as health care consumers is one priority that cannot wait.
"As one who helped initiate the discussion which lead to today's announcement, I am particularly proud to offer Vice President Gore, Secretary Reich and Secretary Shalala AFSCME's support as they move to address the challenge ahead.
"AFSCME believes it is time to build a new consensus that the American consumer must be the beneficiary -- not the victim -- of changes in our health care system. President Clinton's decision is a concrete step in that direction."
