Fox 23 (WXXA)
Albany, NY
People on both sides of the health care debate rally outside Rep. Scott Murphy's office in Clifton Park. (Mike Wickham)
Congressman Scott Murphy may not have been in his Clifton Park office Thursday night but a big crowd gathered outside from both sides of the health care debate.
Citizen Action and moveon.org originally organized a protest outside the Congressman’s office urging him to vote for the house version of the health care bill this weekend.
Chris Scoville of Citizen Action said, “We feel we need to come out this one last time to tell Murphy where the majority of the country stands on health care reform.”
Folks on the other side of the debate came out in big numbers too. They called on Rep. Murphy to vote no.
Pat Beninati said of the current reform plan that there’s just “Way too much government. Government’s just not designed to be like that, it’s not designed to be everything.”
Congressman Murphy still remains undecided on how he will vote on HR 3962 which includes a public option.
His spokeswoman released a statement that said, “Congressman Murphy is taking the time to carefully review both the legislation before Congress, and the input being provided from his constituents on these very important reforms to our nation’s health care system. Congressman Murphy takes his job of listening to his constituents very seriously and greatly appreciates this input. Throughout this debate, Congressman Murphy has been clear on his understanding and support of comprehensive health care reform that expands access, reduces overall costs and increases competition in the system.”
“I do know that he made a committment during the campaign in 2009 to support the basic principles of health care for Americans,” said Al Ormsby, a supporter of the health care plan.
Bob Schwarz worked in the health system for 25 years. He told FOX23 News, reform should happen but not in the way it’s being proposed.
Shwarz said, “I just say too much government. Government does not do well at running stuff like Post Offices and systems, they’re enormous systems.”
Murphy, a Democrat who represents a conservative district says he’s carefully reviewing the legislation.
