When Governor Doyle was elected in both 2006 and 2002, his position on healthcare was strong and at the forefront of his campaign.,”In recent years, Wisconsin has developed a tradition of supporting the improvement of health care for its citizens. In the past few election cycles, health care has been a significant issue for the state's residents when choosing candidates. This year is no different.

Because health care has played a prominent role in this year's presidential campaigns, we commend Marquette for sponsoring "Health Care in Wisconsin: Where Do We Go from Here?"

This roundtable discussion is sponsored by the political science department. The information on health care reform provides not only knowledge to the public, but also gives students the opportunity to start to understand this complex issue. Whether students realize it or not, this seemingly dry topic is actually of great importance.

College students and young professionals make up a decent portion of the uninsured. This is because many who rely on parents' health care plans are not covered at age 18 or once they are no longer full-time students.

This is also an issue for those working as temporary workers or freelancers who do not qualify for contracting companies' health care plans. These people may find it too expensive to purchase health insurance on their own or think that because they are young and relatively healthy they do not need insurance. It then becomes low priority in their personal budgets.

Not practicing preventive health care and living without health insurance is risky business. Those without insurance often do not seek medical attention when it is really needed because of the high cost of treatment.

This forum will break down the complexities of health care. State legislators, medical professionals, insurance professionals and businessmen will weigh in on the issue, discussing how to make health care more affordable and accessible, what the government and the private sector can or should do to realize these goals and whether a proposal like Gov. Doyle's Healthy Wisconsin or other reform options are appropriate.

Marquette has taken the initiative to tackle this issue. We hope students will reciprocate and show some interest in something that affects them more than they may think. It's not necessary to be pre-med or a political science major to strive to be informed on health care matters. Attending today's discussion at the Alumni Memorial Union brings this issue straight to you.

With health care reform as a focal point during this campaign season, we hope that if students plan on exercising their right to vote they will do so well-informed on all aspects of their favored candidate's platform, including health care.

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