Ten national Hispanic groups sent a joint letter to Congress about the devastating impact of the health care legislation on Hispanic small businesses, seniors and families.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- A number of Hispanic organizations have united to address major problems with the health care legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and urge the Senate to come up with a bipartisan solution for real healthcare reform. They are especially concerned the health care legislation will create a greater tax burden and unfair government mandates on Hispanic small businesses and families. During this critical health care debate, these organizations want their voices to be heard and believe that the current approach will lead to loss of jobs and reduced wages for Hispanic workers.

In addition, these Hispanic groups believe that seniors will be greatly affected by Medicare cuts, patients will have fewer choices and families will be subject to costly and inefficient government mandates. As opposed to one-size-fits-all, government-run programs, these Hispanic organizations seek market solutions, including allowing businesses and individuals to purchase health insurance across state lines, which would make it easier and less costly for small businesses to provide employees with coverage.

"The House vote illustrated Congress' refusal to come up with a bi-partisan solution on real healthcare reform," stated Hector Barreto, Chairman of The Latino Coalition, "As we look forward, we urge the Senate to work together to provide healthcare reform that does not destroy the entrepreneurial spirit of our country. We will not support a bill that creates an inefficient and ineffective government-run healthcare system for America."

These organizations represent thousands of Hispanic small businesses and individuals across the country.

Those who have signed the letter include:

    CAMACOL (The Latin Chamber of Commerce of
     the U.S.)                                  www.camacol.org
    Hialeah Chamber of Commerce                 www.hialeahchamber.org
    Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity Institute  www.hapinstitute.net
    Hispanic Leadership Fund                    www.hispanicleadershipfund.org
    Hispanic Professional Women Association     www.hpwa.org
    Pacientes Primero (Patients First)          www.pacientesprimero.com
    The Latino Coalition                        www.thelatinocoalition.com
    U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce             www.usmcoc.org
    Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce       www.vahcc.com
    Voces (Voices) Action                       www.vocesaction.blogspot.com

    Contact:  Mercy Viana Schlapp
              703-470-4794

SOURCE Patients First

RELATED LINKS
http://www.pacientesprimero.com