Hagan: stimulus, health reform coming

U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan said Congress is working as quickly as possible to dispense stimulus money and reform the health care system.

Speaking to the N.C. Sheriffs' Association on Monday, Hagan touted the $6.3 billion coming to the state from the federal stimulus package, including money for preventing crime, helping victims and violence against women.

"I hear all the time that it needs to start working faster," Hagan said. "Well, we're working on it."

She also spent a few minutes talking about the status of health care reform, which she has played a significant role in crafting.

The Senate committee on health, education, labor and pensions, of which Hagan and Sen. Richard Burr are members, has passed a health care reform bill and is now waiting for the finance committee to figure out how the program will be funded.

She said President Barack Obama's visit to the state Wednesday shows North Carolina's importance in the debate. She said she did not know what Obama will say, but she hopes it moves the debate forward.

"We need to wait and listen to him," she said.

Hagan was joined by U.S. Reps. Bob Etheridge, Brad Miller and David Price, as well as several members of the Council of State.