YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF MISSOURI CALL FOR A PUBLIC OPTION:

Today, Missouri's young delegates and alternates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention sent an open letter to President Obama and our Democratic members of Congress from Missouri. They urged Congress and the President to support a public option in any healthcare reform bill.

The Young Democrats of Missouri wholeheartedly endorse that message.

This evening, President Obama reiterated his support of a public option and the Young Democrats of Missouri applaud him for it. We urge Congress to join him and pass a bill that contains a strong public option.

Here is the letter:

Dear President Obama, Senator McCaskill, Congressman Carnahan, Congressman Cleaver, Congressman Skelton, and Congressman Clay,

In 2008, a record number of young Missourians, many of whom had never cast a ballot or volunteered for a political campaign, became an integral part of the political process. We came out for candidates that we believe had our best interests at heart as young citizens, including a solution to the 47 million Americans without health insurance.

We, as young delegates and alternates, elected to the Democratic National Convention by our communities throughout the state of Missouri, worked tirelessly for you for two years. We believe in the cause of universal affordable health care, as do a majority of Americans who voted for Democrats, and we are now faced with the task of delivering upon that campaign promise.

We know firsthand that young Americans are suffering under the burden of a failed health care system. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that over 30 percent of Americans ages 19-24 are uninsured -- the highest of any age group. Indeed, several of us do not have insurance now because our jobs do not provide benefits, we are unemployed or the rates are just too costly.

You have worked admirably to reach out across the aisle and compromise. After a long and deliberate debate, we have reached the time of action. We ask you to fulfill the president's campaign promise to create a public option to keep insurance companies honest and rates affordable for young people like ourselves.

Help us show young Americans that when they vote for Democrats, they keep their word and produce real change. Please only vote for -- and sign -- health care reform with a robust public option.

Sincerely,

The Young Delegates of Missouri to the Democratic National Convention

Matt Adler, Pledged Delegate- Missouri's 3rd Congressional District
Akeam Ashford, Pledged Delegate- Missouri At-Large
Brett Carmical, Pledged Delegate- Missouri's 6th Congressional District
Stephen Eisele, Pledged Delegate- Missouri's 7th Congressional District
Tamila Gresham, Pledged Alternate- Missouri At-Large
Sam Hodge, Pledged Delegate- Missouri's 9th Congressional District
Ian Mackey, Pledged Delegate- Missouri's 2nd Congressional District
Rex Ryan, Pledged Alternate- Missouri's 4th Congressional District

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The Young Democrats of Missouri are officially affiliated with the Young Democrats of America. If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Cameron Sullivan at 417-527-5740 or csullivan@ydmissouri.org