KINDER NAMED TO PANEL THAT WILL OVERSEE HEALTH CARE POLICIES

JEFFERSON CITY - Sen. Peter Kinder has been named to a legislative committee that will oversee health care policies in Missouri.

The joint legislative committee will specifically oversee implementation of House Bill 564, a major health care bill approved in the last session of the General Assembly. The panel also will monitor and report on future health care proposals.

"The availability of affordable health care is one of the most important issues confronting us," said Kinder. "As a member of the Joint Committee on Health Care Policy and Planning, I will try to make sure that all citizens and businesses get equal consideration when developing and implementing health care policies."

Senate President James Mathewson appointed the Cape Girardeau Republican to the post this week, and cited Kinder's interest in health care.

In a letter notifying Kinder of his appointment, Mathewson said: "This is an extremely important area of concern and you will be faced with many complex and sometimes conflicting demands. I am confident you will serve the people well in this important task."