GRAVES CONDEMNS THE DEMOCRATS' ATTEMPT AT INVADING AMERICANS' FINANCIAL PRIVACY

(RANGER, GA) – State Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger), Republican candidate for Georgia’s 9th District, today condemned a provision in the Democrats’ proposed health care legislation that would invade the privacy of Georgians’ federal tax returns.

“This overlooked provision is just another example of where the current health care legislation is seriously flawed,” said Graves. “As I have been saying all across the 9th District, rushing a careless bill of failed reforms through Congress will have serious consequences on the quality of life of the American patient, and with this provision now the privacy of the American taxpayer is at risk.”

The Democrats’ proposed health care legislation would require the IRS to divulge all personal tax information to the new government “Health Choices Commissioners,” which would be created under this bill, and to each state health program.  In addition, the Social Security Administration can obtain tax return data on anyone who has not applied, but would be eligible for prescription drug subsidies.

“Allowing thousands of government bureaucrats to access Americans’ confidential tax information on a whim is a dangerous proposition, and one I strongly oppose,” said Graves. “Americans’ right to personal privacy is something I will always fight to defend, and another clear reason I stand in opposition to this unprecedented attempt of a government takeover of America’s health care system.”

In an opinion piece published last month, Graves clearly laid out that any effective health care reform must be Patient Centered and Patient Driven in order to make health care more affordable, portable and accessible for all Americans.  One such solution has been offered by fellow Georgia Congressman Tom Price in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Empowering Patients First Act (H.R. 3400).

Congressman Price said in a press release regarding H.R. 3400, “Today, we present a solution for health care reform that offers more patient-centered choices and care of the highest quality. The Empowering Patients First Act is a budget neutral proposal based on the fundamental principle that personal medical decisions should be made by patients in consultation with their doctors rather than unaccountable bureaucrats in Washington. Our plan will make insurance providers responsive to you, the patient, and coverage more affordable, accessible, and innovative.  With the Empowering Patients First Act, we can achieve reform that lowers costs and provides all Americans access to quality health care without placing Washington bureaucrats between you and your doctor.”

“We must find workable solutions. Not ones based on the notion that when something isn’t working it’s the role of government to ‘stimulate’ it, when it’s ‘failing,’ bail it, and when it’s ‘bankrupting,’ buy it. And certainly, no solution that would erode the fundamental right to privacy to which every American is entitled,” continued Graves.