01.09.04

Senator Cantwell to Host Medicare Town Hall Meetings

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last month Congress passed, and President Bush signed, a flawed Medicare prescription drug bill. Although it included provisions that made progress on several important issues, such as physician reimbursement, I voted against the bill because it failed to address the growing cost of prescription drugs for seniors and to ensure the future stability of Medicare. Overall, seniors in Washington state would be worse off under this bill than under current law.

The comments I received from constituents were overwhelmingly opposed to the bill. Thousands of Washingtonians wrote and called to tell me why this bill fails to provide needed benefits and undermines Medicare. This month, I am continuing my series of town hall meetings around the state to discuss the need for a meaningful Medicare prescription drug benefit bill and other issues of concern to seniors. On Tuesday, January 13, I'll host two meetings in Eastern Washington. The next day, Friday, January 16, I'll host three more meetings in Western Washington. More information about the times and locations is below:

Tuesday, January 13 – Richland Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Location: Richland Community Center 500 Amon Park Dr. Richland, WA

For more information: Senator Cantwell's Tri-Cities office; Kristin Eby (509) 946-8106

Tuesday, January 13 – Yakima Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Location: Yakima YWCA 15 N. Naches Ave. Yakima, WA

For more information: Senator Cantwell's Tri-Cities office; Kristin Eby (509) 946-8106

Friday, January 16– Port Angeles Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Location: Port Angeles Senior Center 328 E. 7th St. Port Angeles, WA

For more information: Senator Cantwell's Seattle office; (206) 220-6400

Friday, January 16 – Port Townsend Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Location: Port Townsend Community Center 620 Tyler St. Port Townsend, WA

For more information: Senator Cantwell's Seattle office; (206) 220-6400

Friday, January 16 – Oak Harbor Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Location: Oak Harbor Senior Center 51 S.E. Jerome St. Oak Harbor, WA

For more information: Senator Cantwell's Everett office; Sally Hintz (425) 303-0114

Note: If you live outside of these calling areas and would like more information, please call my toll-free number, 1 (888) 648-7328.