Health Care Costs Have Doubled In Past Decade, Says Sen. Klobuchar

By Laura Smith, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

During a press conference Tuesday on the importance of health care reform for middle class Americans, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said that health care costs have more than doubled in the past decade and could grow further.

“The average American spent $6,000 on their health care just ten years ago. Now the average American family is spending $12,000, and in ten years from now, without any bending of the cost curve, they will be spending $24,000 a year. If we do not act, these costs will break the backs of the American people,” Klobuchar said.

The senator attributed the numbers to Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.)

Klobuchar went on to outline what she would like to see brought about through significant reform.

“It is my hope that no one will have to choose between necessary medical care, and their mortgage," said Klobuchar. "For the middle class, reform will mean stable coverage that can’t be taken away, stable costs that won’t eat away at paychecks and better care."

Panel discusses candidates' potential governing strengths

The University of Minnesota hosted a panel discussion focusing on how the two major party candidates are likely to govern once in office. The event was held today at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Panel members included Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and other media contributors. Much of the discussion centered on both nominees ties to the Senate, a first since President Kennedy was running for office.

Senator Kyl said that McCain's history indicates his ability to work on both sides of the aisle. Senator Klobuchar said Obama will be able to transcend party lines and will have the added benefit of an increased Democratic-majority in the Senate. Each pointed to the existing relationships Senator Obama and Senator McCain have developed within the Senate and how they will likely influence their presidency.

The panel also discussed the parallels between Obama and McCain's life experiences and their campaigning. McCain's campaign was compared to his fighter pilot style, while Obama's was said to reflect his background as a community organizer. The panel concluded these would likely be factors in their presidency as well.

Today at Talk Radio News

The Washington Bureau will attend a discussion on "Can We Keep Space from Becoming a Shooting Gallery?" held at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, along with the Third Annual Washington-Israel Summit held by Christians United for Israel. The bureau will also attend a press conference with Democratic Senators Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) who will discuss the Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act, and cover a conference call by Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) campaign team on Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) position in Iraq.

Later in the day, the bureau will attend a speech by Attorney General Michael Mukasey at the AEI Legal Center for the Public Interest and a briefing on "Prevention for a Healthier America: Investments in Disease Prevention Yield Significant Savings, Stronger Communities" with former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker (R-Kan.). A presentation on "From Status Quo to Breaking the Mold: Schools Expanding Learning Time" held at the Center for American Progress will also be attended.