LANSING – State Senator Martha G. Scott (D-Highland Park) denounced today’s political gamesmanship on the Senate floor as Senate Republicans adjourned for the day before allowing several Senate Democratic members to speak. For the past four and a half years, Senator Scott has given a daily statement on the floor of the Senate emphasizing the need for insurance reform.

“Just like my Senate Republican colleagues, I have a legislative district with 270,000 constituents whom I was elected to represent,” Sen. Scott said. “I deserve to have my voice heard.”

Today’s Senate Session included the passage of several Republican bills that will blow a hole in the state budget; and it ended with Senate Republicans re-referring several Democratic bills back to committee as ‘punishment’ for not providing immediate effect votes.

“It is really unfortunate that we cannot negotiate and work in a bipartisan fashion,” said Scott. “Our colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to expect us to vote on important legislation without any time to review it. The people of Michigan deserve better.”

Sen. Scott’s statement from today follows in its entirety.

“The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“As State Director for Women in Government, I continue to work with women legislators from across the country in bringing awareness to this important health care issue.

“According to the American Cancer Society, there are approximately 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States and 182,460 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2008.

“Breast cancer is a complex public health issue that will take the lives of more than 40,000 American women this year.

“Much has been done to educate the public about breast cancer, and advances in treatment and prevention are occurring rapidly, but more must be accomplished to reduce the burden of this deadly disease.

“Regular health screenings and annual mammograms are essential to early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

“These prevention strategies have contributed to the decrease in death rates for breast cancer, yet even with these improvements we must work to guarantee that all women have access to screenings and treatment, especially in our uninsured and underinsured populations.

“While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, studies suggest that making certain lifestyle changes, like increasing exercise and reducing alcohol consumption, coupled with annual mammograms, can help reduce a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer and ensure that cancer is caught early.

“Certain factors like age, family history, and race can increase a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer.

“Although breast cancer death rates are going down due to early detection and improved treatments, as a result of cancer health disparities, not all women are sharing these advances.

“While white women are slightly more likely to get breast cancer than African American women, African American women are more likely to die from the disease.

“African American women have a 71 percent survival rate after five years compared to an 86 percent survival rate for white women.

“I hope that all of you will take time this month to join in the fight against this deadly disease.

“Talk to the women in your life about screenings and lifestyle changes. Sign up for a local walk.

“Work within your community to bring screenings and treatment to more women.

“For more information on what you can do to help combat breast cancer, contact your local American Cancer Society office.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their support of the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund ‘Signature Event’ that took place last week. We raised over $450,000 for child abuse and neglect prevention programs thanks to your contributions.

“Today I bring you more sage advice by way of an old and traditional African proverb. It says: "Usually, what we travel miles to see is closer than we think.”

“Sometimes I feel I've been traveling a long distance for a very long time as I deliver my message on insurance reform. But I am hopeful that the proverb is accurate and that passage of my bills is closer than I think. In fact, many of the solutions to the insurance problems lie right within this chamber.

“Each and every one of you has it within your power to end my journey and bring resolution to a three-decade problem.

“If only you would hear my plea, on behalf of all drivers and homeowners in Michigan, to PLEASE – MOVE MY BILLS!!!

“Thank you, and I most certainly would like these remarks printed in the Senate Journal.”

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