Universal healthcare has been a long-standing battle in the United States of America. This struggle between the Democrats on one hand and the Republicans on the other has left America’s healthcare system in shambles. Addressing its dire state will take fixing America’s democratic process. Leah Stagnone had this article in Concord Monitor. Here is an excerpt:

I live with several chronic health conditions which have collectively led to unimaginable medical bills. Hoping to see change, I’ve spent my early 20’s sharing my story with policymakers. But down in Washington, D.C., attempts to reign in the influence of Big Pharma and insurance companies are dead on arrival, despite the best efforts of our Congressional delegation. Too many politicians are more concerned about how standing up to big corporations could hurt their campaign fundraising than they are about the challenges that everyday people like me are facing. We need to pass the For the People Act to end the outsized influence of Big Pharma and insurance companies who profit off the status quo.

Our democracy works best when everyday citizens have a voice, and I work hard to advocate for lower healthcare costs from here in New Hampshire. But right now, dark money and corporate special interests are stacking the deck to prevent people from being heard. Money is pumped into our elections to rig the system and barriers to voting are being put into place all across the country, including right here in our state.

To limit the influence of that big money and protect our democracy, our New Hampshire Congressional delegation is supporting the For the People Act. The bill has already passed the House and the Senate should pass it immediately and not let outdated procedures stand in the way of ensuring that the voices of people across the state are heard over big money special interests.

Read the full story here.