I am relieved and proud to know that my U.S. representatives voted yes for the health care reform bill. It is a solid beginning to the task of making affordable and quality medical care available to most Americans.

Like many businesses, my school district is facing severe budget cuts, and faculty and staff are waiting to be told who will be laid off for the next school year. All programs, services and staff are being reviewed and difficult decisions must be made.

These are challenging times for many Americans.

I sincerely appreciate their vote for the health care bill for me and for other average Americans like me.

Claudette Simard, Leeds