"When businesses compete, you win," is true for consumers in every industry in America. From cell phones to computers, quality is improving and costs are shrinking as companies fight to offer the public the best product at the best price. But this philosophy is sadly missing from our health-care insurance system. Health care comprises nearly 20 percent of our national economy, but outdated bureaucracy and red tape have stifled competition and raised costs. As a result, today more than 45 million are without any health coverage.

A great opportunity for health care consumers is coming to Seattle on Saturday, February 25th. As part of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, Congress authorized the Citizens Health Care Working Group to enlist citizens to tell the policymakers in Washington, DC what you like and don’t like about our nation’s health care system. Your opinion matters and needs to be heard. The meeting is open to the public, but registration is required. Online registration is available at www.citizenshealthcare.gov.

November 15, 2005 The U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. Dear Senator,

FreedomFest a Success FreedomFest 2005 was an energy filled event attended by 150 center right activists. Gov. Douglas, Lt Gov Dubie, US Senate candidates Rich Tarrant and Sen. Mark Shepard all made appearances. The day’s keynote speaker, Steven Moore of the Wall Street Journal editorial page, was outstanding. He has since written two articles about his experiences in Vermont, including an interview with Governor Douglas and “Ice Cream Hangover,” a hysterical and insightful account of his tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury.

This piece was originally published on Townhall.com on October 18, 2005. Health care costs continue to skyrocket nationwide, driving up government spending at double digit rates and hurting American economic competitiveness. But, instead of addressing this crisis head on by passing medical malpractice tort reform and pro-competition policies like medical savings accounts, the federal health care bureaucracy is getting ready to add new mandates and regulations that will further drive up the cost of providing health care.

Health Care Forum Update: Three Down, Three to Go The Governor’s second Health Care forum took place in Lyndonville on Wednesday, September 8th, the third in Rutland on the 15th. The events have attracted such pro-government-run heavyweights, Dr. Deb Richter, Democrat gubernatorial candidate, Scudder Parker, and a cadre of well organized liberal activists. It continues to be critical for members of our side to show up and be vocal as well.

Health Care Forum Update: Three Down, Three to Go The Governor’s second Health Care forum took place in Lyndonville on Wednesday, September 8th, the third in Rutland on the 15th. The events have attracted such pro-government-run heavyweights, Dr. Deb Richter, Democrat gubernatorial candidate, Scudder Parker, and a cadre of well organized liberal activists. It continues to be critical for members of our side to show up and be vocal as well.

The Governor’s Health Care Forums Governor Jim Douglas’ first of six Health Care Forums took place in Bennington on August, 22nd. FreedomWorks members were in attendance, and took the opportunity to speak up with concerns about the dangers of waiting lines in a government-run system, and to offer up ideas for common sense solutions.