DURBIN: SOUTHERN ILLINOIS NEEDS DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP IN WASHINGTON AND SPRINGFIELD

HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES MUST IMPROVE SENATOR SAYS

MARION - Southern Illinoisans deserve better healthcare, increased access to quality education and more jobs, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) said at the Democratic ticket's first rally of the 2002 campaign.

"The Democratic ticket will fight for Southern Illinois' working families," Durbin said at Saturday's rally at the Williamson County airport.

"Families across our state need the security of good jobs, good schools and affordable health insurance," Durbin said. "The Republicans have lost touch with the real challenges facing our families. We can, and must, do better for hard-working Illinoisans."

Durbin was introduced by Dr. Roger Herrin, a doctor at Harrisburg Hospital and owner of nursing homes in Marion. "With not enough money coming in from the state to cover the cost of patient care, it's near impossible for us to make capital improvements to our facility or to stay on top of cutting-edge medical technology. We need help from the federal government, and Dick Durbin is working in DC to help us," Herrin said.

"Make no mistake. Hospitals across downstate are engaged in a life-and-death struggle to survive," Durbin said. "Losing a downstate hospital can be devastating to families and the community nearby."

Durbin is working on a bill to provide federal support for downstate hospitals so Southern Illinoisans get the same quality healthcare as patients in large cities. Durbin's bill would provide federal subsidies for rural hospitals which do not receive adequate Medicare reimbursements.

Durbin was joined at the rally by: Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Rod Blagojevich, IL Comptroller Daniel Hynes, Democratic Attorney General Nominee Lisa Madigan, Democratic Treasurer Nominee Tom Dart, Former U.S. Senator Paul Simon, Former U.S. Rep. Glenn Poshard, U.S. Rep. David Phelps and IL State Sen. Larry Woolard.

Durbin and the other candidates appeared after the rally in Carmi at a Fish Fry hosted by state Sen. Bill O'Daniel.

"We are kicking off our statewide campaign in Southern Illinois. Like rolling thunder this campaign is going to move to every county, every community and every neighborhood in our state," Durbin said. "Democrats are poised to make a clean sweep in 2002, to win the governor's mansion for the first time in 30 years, and to bring the leadership to Washington and Springfield that Illinois deserves."

Date: 04/27/02
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