Monroe County, Florida --- The Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen Association (FKCFA) today thanked Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for her support of the “Commercial Fishing Industry Health Care Coverage Act” that would expand healthcare coverage for uninsured/underinsured commercial fishermen and their families.

 

“Now more than ever, the “Fishing Industry Healthcare Coverage Act of 2008”  is needed to research, plan, implement and run a health care coverage program that meets the unique needs of the fishing families in Florida,’ wrote Scott E. Zimmerman, FKCFA’s Executive Director. “Ros-Lehtinen’s continued dedication to protecting the commercial fishing industry in Monroe County is greatly appreciated,” added Mr. Zimmerman.

 

The legislation would establish a grant program within HHS to assist commercial fishing states in establishing or strengthening programs to expand health care coverage and access for the fishermen and their loved ones.  The bill is modeled after the successful plan created by the Massachusetts Fishing Partnership.

 

Said Ros-Lehtinen, “This important legislation not only affects Florida families, but also fishing communities throughout our nation. I thank the FKCFA and I urge them to contact other commercial fishermen groups and ask them to lobby their Congressmen on this bill. Together we can get this law passed.”

 

The legislation was introduced by Barney Frank, (D-MA) and has 20 co-sponsors so far.