Today, 2.5 million Illinoisan residents—more than 1 out of 5 Illinoisans under the age of 65—is in a family that is forced to spend more than 10% of its income on health care costs. Illinois's middle class families have seen their healthcare premiums jump 73% over the last 8 years. Another 1.8 million Illinoisans do not have health insurance at all.

I don't need to tell you that our health care system is in crisis. You see it first-hand in your increasing premiums, the larger chunks out of your paychecks going to health care, higher business costs and difficulty getting the care you need when you need it.

I am working in Congress to do something about it.

The Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee has passed a health care reform bill that makes health care more affordable for middle class families, protects your choice of doctors and treatments, and ensures that all Americans can get quality care when they need it.

The Senate Finance Committee is working on a similar proposal that will help reform our healthcare system and pay for it by addressing inefficiencies in the system; eliminating waste, fraud and abuse and bringing healthcare costs down through preventive care preventive care such as cancer screenings or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

Though some of the details are still under debate, Democrats and President Obama agree we must reform our nation's health care system—and we must do it this year.

We are committed to providing Americans:

• Secure and stable coverage that can't be taken away through life's ups and downs.
• Lower and stable costs that won't eat away at the family paycheck and won't put health coverage out of reach.
• Better quality care so that you get the treatment you need, when you need it, from the doctor you choose.

But getting a bill to President Obama's desk this year won't be easy. I need your help.

Together, we will reform health care. That's why I'm asking Illinois state residents to add your voice to this debate by speaking up.

The Power of Personal Experience

I know that health care is a very personal issue. This is about you and your family. And your voice needs to be heard in Congress as we debate this historic issue.

Health care affects your pocketbooks, your loved ones, and your own health and well being. That is why I'm asking you to share your health care experiences, your ideas for change, and your suggestions for a better health care system for all.

With your permission, I will be asking some of you to allow me to use your stories in speeches and Senate debates to illustrate the public need and support for health care reform this year. Click here to read some of the health care stories I have received so far.

Thank you for your help and your commitment to passing meaningful health care reform for all Americans this year.