HOWITT WORKS.
 

 For further information contact:

Pam Tesler Howitt, Committee to Elect Steven Howitt

(508) 761-4425 

VoteStevenHowitt@stevenhowitt.com
 

For immediate release October 14, 2006

HOWITT CRITICIZES LEGISLATURE FOR INACTION ON FLU LEGISLATION

FAILURE TO ACT COULD LEAVE STATE UNPREPARED

 SEEKONK: State Representative candidate Steven Howitt has called on the legislature to pass the pandemic flu preparedness bill, which was left in limbo when Democratically controlled legislature ended its formal sessions this summer. “It is unacceptable that the legislature left this important bill on the table. This is a situation that must be addressed immediately,” said Howitt.

According to the Department of Public Health, up to 40 percent of the state’s population could become sick during a pandemic and it could kill as many as 20,000 people in Massachusetts.  Based on historical patterns, Public Health Commissioner Paul Cote noted that “we’re due” for another flu pandemic in the Commonwealth.

Howitt went on to criticize the legislature for their inaction. “Unfortunately, in their rush to get out the door this past summer for vacations, they ignored a serious health risk, especially for our children and our seniors. This bill has been sitting in the House Ways and Means Committee since June and nothing has been done to act on it. With flu season right around the corner right now, it’s a shame that they have spent time debating other issues of the special interest groups, instead of protecting people from a serious health risk.”

Howitt predicts that when he wins the seat, he will not simply proceed with business as usual.

“I have built my business on hard work, preparedness and follow through, not by leaving the job half done. Vacations or time off shouldn’t be taken by anyone until a job is completed. When I’m elected, I will work to make sure important issues are addressed, discussed and resolved, especially when the consequences of incomplete action are so dire for children and seniors,”

said Howitt.

Steven Howitt is State Representative candidate in the 4^th Bristol District, Massachusetts.

For more information visit www.stevenhowitt.com

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