(Washington, DC) – Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), America’s premier waste-fighting advocacy group, will sponsor a taxpayer forum entitled ] for Healthcare Reform: Empowering the Patient, on Monday, October 2, 1999.  The two-hour event is scheduled to begin at noon at the Wyndham Buttes Resort, 2000 Westcourt Way, Tempe, Ariz.  There is a $15 registration fee for the general public.

“Our taxpayer forum will give attendees a unique glimpse into the treacherous waters of healthcare reform,” remarked CAGW President Thomas A. Schatz.  “I encourage anyone with an interest in how their money is being spent in Washington to attend this one-of-a-kind event.”

Joining Schatz in hosting ] for Healthcare Reform are honorary chairmen U.S. Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyle (R-Ariz.).  Senator Kyl will deliver the keynote address.  U.S. Reps. Matt Salmon and John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) will discuss healthcare policy in Congress.  Other featured speakers include Laura Knaperek, Chaiman of the Children & Family Integrated Delivery Systems Committee, and Grace-Marie Arnett, President of the Galen Institute.

Several hot-button health issues will be discussed at the event, including generic versus brand-name drugs; tax policy and healthcare, and the future of healthcare.

To register for the forum, interested parties are asked to call CAGW toll-free at 1-800-USA-DEBT.

CAGW is a 600,000 member, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, mismanagement and abuse in government.