Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland tonight released the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress:

“Tonight, President Barack Obama brought crystal clarity to a debate that has too often been muddled by partisanship and animosity and not focused nearly enough on the basic issue before us as a people: that no American should ever be denied quality health care because they cannot afford it.  The time has come for us to come together to resolve the ongoing health care crisis.  Businesses as well as individuals cannot keep pace with the rising costs of health care. 

“In Ohio, we have taken steps to ensure every Ohio child has access to affordable health care, and we have expanded private coverage options to cover an additional 109,000 Ohioans.  Even with these actions, there are too many Ohioans who lack access to quality care.

“I support President Obama’s call for a comprehensive reform bill that takes the best ideas from both Republicans and Democrats to provide more stability and security for those with health insurance while reducing the number of uninsured individuals who may be one illness away from financial ruin.”