Rep. Fudge Attends Launch of “Let’s Move”

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Representative Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) issued the following statement after attending First Lady Michelle Obama’s launch of Let’s Move, America’s effort to raise a healthier generation of kids.

“Since arriving in Congress, I have dedicated myself to helping youth live longer and healthier. Mrs. Obama’s launch encourages me and all of us who are dedicated to stamping out childhood obesity to continue in our efforts. The event also inspires many to take up this cause anew. By using strategic partnerships and committing ourselves to increasing child wellness, we can and will improve America’s health vital signs.

“Unless we work to reverse this epidemic, 23 million kids and teenagers will be in danger of becoming the first generation in American history to live shorter lives than their parents.

“Providing families with the education and opportunities necessary to lead healthy and long lives is the only way to reverse this trend. Expanding opportunities for family and community wellness by creating more sidewalks, funding safe routes to school, and creating community gardens and farmers’ markets are examples of ways in which Congress can increase wellness and decrease obesity.

“In our community, there is much we can do immediately. Local advocates, such as the Cleveland Corner Store Initiative, can and do provide nutritional counseling and access to fresh foods.

“Adults who interact with children can show children that trying new fruits and vegetables can be an adventure. Go on walks in your neighborhood or the park with them. Make a game of taking the stairs together. Teach them your favorite childhood game.

“Let’s get moving! Together, we can increase our children’s wellness and transform America.

“Again, I am proud to support Mrs. Obama’s launch of this incredible initiative. I look forward to her valuable support of Congressional proposals. As the founder of the Congressional Task Force on Childhood Obesity under the Children’s Caucus, I will continue to engage the First Lady’s policy staff on this important endeavor.”

Rep. Fudge Joins Leadership in Launching New Affordable Health Care for America Act

Recently, Representative Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) joined Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Democratic Whip Clyburn and other Members of Congress in launching the new, blended America’s Affordable Health Care Act of 2009 (H.R. 3962).

She was joined by Mrs. Jodie Miller, a Maryland mother who conceived triplets through in vitro fertilization. Mrs. and Mr. Miller were later denied health coverage because their insurance company declared that they had pre-existing conditions; infertility and spousal infertility, respectively. America’s Affordable Health Care Act will outlaw such discrimination based on pre-existing conditions.

Rep. Fudge stated, “America’s Affordable Health Care Act will make gender rating illegal. Never again will insurance companies be able to deny women coverage for c-sections, because we are pregnant, or because we are victims of domestic violence. Never again will insurance companies be able to deny us coverage just for being women.”

Rep. Fudge has been actively engaged in the reform discussion to benefit Ohioans. As a Member of the Committee on Education and Labor, she reviewed the bill in draft form and amended it to require that small businesses receive personalized counseling on how best to meet the requirements of the bill.

Additionally, she led the inclusion of an important provision that requires the Advisory Committee on Health Workforce Evaluation and Assessment to monitor the retention and expansion of the health workforce to ensure its quality and adequacy in the wake of reform.

In separate legislation, Rep. Fudge introduced the Health Information Technology Public Utility Act of 2009 (H.R. 3124) that would assist health facilities across the nation, particularly free clinics, transition to computerized health records.