Patients First, A Project of Americans for Prosperity™ is teaming up with veteran journalist John Stossel for a day of health care events across the state of Arkansas on Thursday, October 29th. Mr. Stossel is a consumer advocate and journalist who is best known as former co-anchor of ABC’s program 20/20; he is now host of a new show on FOX Business.

Some in Washington believe that the passion displayed by Americans during August town halls was a fluke that has subsided, but the concerned citizens of Arkansas and across the country have never been more opposed to government-forced health care.

“As the details of this legislation seep out of Congress, Arkansans are shocked at the level of government intrusion into health care and the threat of government-forced insurance backed up by fines and possible jail time,” said Teresa Oelke, Arkansas State Director of Americans for Prosperity. “The Senate’s $904 billion plan would still leave 25 million Americans uninsured at a cost of more than $31,000 per covered individual. This is not real reform.”

John Stossel will join Americans for Prosperity president Tim Phillips, AFP Texas State Director Peggy Venable and small business owner Shawn Danko as they participate in health care forums and town hall events in Texarkana, Little Rock, and Jonesboro, AR on October 29th to debate solutions and discuss the dangers of government-forced health care. This day of events follows a visit to Arkansas from Patients First’s “Hands Off My Health Care” bus—which has been touring the country.

“John Stossel has spent his career elevating the debate and informing the people regarding crucial issues that affect their lives,” said Teresa Oelke. “We’re pleased to have him in Arkansas to discuss how we can truly bring quality affordable health care to all Americans.”

Arkansas Health Care Town Hall Tour Schedule

October 29, 2009

Event: Rise and Shine the Light on Health Care Reform
Time: 7:00–8:00 a.m.

Confirmed: John Stossel and Tim Phillips, and Texas State Director Peggy Venable
Location: Texarkana Fair Grounds
Fine Arts Building
3700 E. 50th Street
Texarkana, Arkansas

Event: Health Care Town Hall Forum
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Confirmed: John Stossel, Tim Phillips, Shawn Danko, and KARN host Dave Elswick
Location: Statehouse Convention Center
Lower Level
7 Statehouse Plaza
(Near Intersection of Main and Markham)
Little Rock, Arkansas

Event: Health Care Forum
Time: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Confirmed: John Stossel and Tim Phillips
Location: Statehouse Convention Center
Hilton Garden Inn, Ballroom
2840 South Caraway
Jonesboro, Arkansas

Venues and times are subject to change. For more information, contact: Teresa Oelke: Teresa.Oelke@afphq.org or (479) 531-9778