Mike McGavick on Government Reform

Lawsuits drive up healthcare costs and reduce access

Our liability system drives up the cost of health care and limits access to care. Billions are spent on unneeded and unwarranted tests and therapies as a protection against potential lawsuits. Due to the continual threat of lawsuits, doctors are opting to retire early or curtail their practices, resulting in reduced access to high-risk care that is particularly acute in some rural areas. Source: Campaign website, www.mikemcgavick.com, "Issues" May 2, 2006

End budget earmarking for pet projects

Congress must institute reforms rejecting the practice of "earmarking," the setting aside of special funds for home state pet projects for which the entire country is then obligated to pay. Through "earmarking," Washingtonians have helped foot the bill for an indoor rain forest in Iowa and a bridge-to-nowhere in Alaska. The practice of earmarking must stop. Source: Campaign website, www.mikemcgavick.com, "Issues" May 2, 2006

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