Labor’s on board for the Sebelius nomination. See this statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney:
We congratulate President Obama on his choice of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as our next Secretary of Health and Human Services. The nomination of Gov. Sebelius will provide a great boost to the effort to enact sweeping health care reform.
Her experience as Kansas insurance commissioner and her outstanding record as governor uniquely qualify Gov. Sebelius for this demanding position. Time’s selection of her in 2005 as one of the country’s five best governors speaks to the critically important leadership and managerial abilities needed for this job.
Gov. Sebelius brings a track record of bipartisanship and the ability to work well with all the players in health care. We look forward to work with her to enact affordable, comprehensive health care for all.
The American Medical Association is similarly enthused. From
Nancy Nielsen, MD, President, American Medical Association:
“In Gov. Sebelius’ roles as insurance commissioner and governor, she has demonstrated the leadership skills required to direct HHS and implement health system reform. During her time as governor, she demonstrated her commitment to health care reform by expanding access to care for children.
“As insurance commissioner, she helped preserve competition and choice in the health care marketplace by halting a problematic health insurance merger in the state.
“In these tough economic times, the need for health system reform that provides coverage and high quality, affordable health care for all Americans is clear. We must strengthen the public-private mix of health insurance, and achieve greater value from the nation’s health care spending. We look forward to working with Gov. Sebelius the Administration and Congress to improve the health care system for all Americans.”
