LETTERS TO EDITOR: Barnett
To the Editor:
Senator Sandy Praeger already has made a large positive impact on behalf of Kansans while serving as chair of the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. She has helped provide mechanisms for small employers to find health insurance. As a legislator, she has fought for consumers, listened to the business community and sponsored legislation to enact patient protection. She also was the primary sponsor of the Mental Health Parity Act, which dramatically enhanced delivery of mental health services in Kansas.
As commissioner, she has pledged to be an ambassador for Kansans to attract new health insurance markets to our state. Her approach is to maintain an open, competitive marketplace while aggressively protecting the rights of consumers.
The office of Insurance Commissioner is a critically important position. I believe it is important that we elect a proven leader, someone with a strong record of support for consumers and with commitment to enhancing public health. Sandy Praeger possesses the values and character for the person we want to elect to the office of Kansas Insurance Commissioner.
I am proud of Sandy Praeger for her leadership in the Kansas Senate. I know that her skill, passion, and experience will serve us well during her service as Kansas Insurance Commissioner.
Senator Jim Barnett, M.D.
Emporia
