Health secretary Sebelius in Henderson Monday for health reform event
WASHINGTON -- Two members of President Barack Obama's Cabinet will be in Southern Nevada over the next few days to promote his policies on worker rights and health care, and to assist local Democrats seeking re-election.
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis will join local union leaders and Asian groups today at a workers' rally targeting Asian immigrants. The event is part of the White House's civil rights initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Painters Hall, 1701 Whitney Mesa Drive in Henderson.
On Monday, Health and Human Services Secretary Katherine Sebelius will be in Henderson to promote heath care reform alongside the state's two Democratic House members.
The HHS secretary will headline the 2:15 p.m. event at the Henderson Multi-Generational Center, 250 S. Green Valley Parkway. Families who have had run-ins with insurance companies over their coverage also will speak, according to Andrew Stoddard, spokesman for Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev.
David Cherry, a spokesman for Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said the officials will discuss the consumer-friendly elements of the health care legislation that went into effect this week, and will contrast that to talk by Republicans about repealing the reform bill.
The Democrats "will point out the gains that were made as a result of health reforms and what would happen to Nevadans if those reforms are repealed," Cherry said.
A number of elements under the health care law took effect on Thursday, which was six months after the bill's passage . Those include restricting insurance companies from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, allowing young adults to remain on their parents' plan until age 26, and the implementing free preventive services such as vaccinations and mammograms.
The Associated Press contribute to this report. Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.
