Vermont Interfaith Alliance Press Conference - Capitol Building, Montpelier

Statement by The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Burlington

Re: Catamount Healthcare Legislation
Thursday, April 27th, 2006

Delivered by Reverend Stephen Hornat, Rector
St. Joseph Co-Cathedral - Burlington, VT

Dear Friends in Faith, Governor Douglas, Members of the Vermont Legislature:

I am grateful for this opportunity to speak on behalf of the estimated 61,000 people in Vermont who have no health care insurance. I find it unconscionable in this wonderful, caring Green Mountain State that we allow the needs and well-being of such a large number of our brothers and sisters to go unaddressed.

I sincerely and whole-heartedly encourage Governor Douglas and all our legislators to come to agreement on a bill to rectify this embarrassing, if not disconcerting, situation among those citizens in Vermont who are in such neglect and jeopardy.

I understand that all concerned have been working very diligently to close this terrible gap in healthcare for our most needy, and I commend you highly for your sincere efforts. You are so close now to an effective, workable compromise. Won't you bring this most important bill to fruition?

I do have one concern, one reservation, which in all good conscience I must share with you about this legislation. I could not support this bill without making you aware of my absolute opposition to the inclusion of abortion or assisted suicide coverage in this or any healthcare legislation.

I have been warned that this opposition cannot be left to later definition, because such coverage of abortion and assisted suicide has already been defined as legal by a previous rules committee decision. It is my understanding that to prevent such inclusion, we must insist that an exclusion clause be added to this new legislation. Therefore, I cannot and will not support any legislation that does not include such a disclaimer. I cannot sanction help for some which may condemn others. It would be a sham to improve and save some lives while disrespecting, destroying or preventing the lives of innocent others.

That said, ladies and gentlemen, I pray that you will close the remaining gaps between you to pass this most necessary legislation which will assure affordable medical care for the poor and uninsured.

God Bless you all in your most important work.

Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano
Ninth Bishop of Burlington

Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano
Bishop of Burlington