Do you need a fancy suit or law degree to make a difference in Olympia? Nope and nope. Citizen-activists make a difference here every day.
Take Jeff Schwartz — a regular guy with a full-time job, two kids, and a big time problem on his hands. Jeff’s youngest son, Jacob, had a rare gastrointestinal disorder that caused his body to reject food.
In order for Jacob to get nutrition, he required a certain type of formula that didn’t come cheap. One day, Jeff’s insurance company stopped providing coverage for the life-saving formula. Jeff and his family paid hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket every month to cover the costs.
That’s when Jeff got in-touch with House Health Care and Wellness Chair Eileen Cody. Jeff worked with Eileen, along with other lawmakers, to ensure that no family has to suffer the same hardships as his own.
This year, Rep. Cyrus Habib introduced House Bill 2153 which requires that insurance companies cover the formula that children like Jacob need to survive. If the bill passes, no Washington family will go through what the Schwartz family went through.
Last week, the House Health Care and Wellness Committee voted the bill out of committee – moving it one step closer to Governor Inslee’s desk.
The long story short: Never underestimate a dad with a plan.
Even after Jacob was cured of his disease, Jeff didn’t give up his fight. His resilience and commitment to doing the right thing reminds us all what is great about the legislative process – anyone, rich or poor, young or old, can make a difference.