© 2024 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.

King Intensifies Criticism of GOP Health Care Reform Bill

PORTLAND, Maine - Maine Sen. Angus King is stepping up his criticism of the House Republicans' proposed health care reform bill.

On the Senate floor Wednesday, King said the House was moving the bill too quickly, without adequate review. King, an independent, says the measure would cost Maine's aging population more money and reduce benefits for many, while providing a tax break for the rich.

"The pattern is shift and shaft - shift the cost and shaft the people who need the coverage," King said.

King's Maine colleague, Republican Sen. Susan Collins, says the bill needs improvement. 

Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican and 1st District Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat, are both condemning it - from different ends of the political spectrum. But 2nd District GOP Rep. Bruce Poliquin is hailing the proposal for "much needed health insurance relief."

A Columbia University graduate, Fred began his journalism career as a print reporter in Vermont, then came to Maine Public in 2001 as its political reporter, as well as serving as a host for a variety of Maine Public Radio and Maine Public Television programs. Fred later went on to become news director for New England Public Radio in Western Massachusetts and worked as a freelancer for National Public Radio and a number of regional public radio stations, including WBUR in Boston and NHPR in New Hampshire.