Digital Debut

Spotlight on Congressman John Larson

A history teacher turned US representative

 BY JEFF EVANS | SEPTEMBER 2018

For 20 years, Congressman John Larson has represented Connecticut’s First District in the US House of Representatives. He is one of the strongest champions of the ASC community and has led ASC initiatives since 2011, including supporting the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality and Access Act. He is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, whose jurisdiction includes health delivery systems and health research. He has for many years championed legislation to improve patient access to ambulatory surgery, and recognizes the ethical, high-quality and cost-effective care ASCs deliver. Should Democrats regain majority control of the House, Larson will be well-positioned to advocate ASCs among the Committee and congressional leadership.

Larson also stands at the vanguard of important issues related to gun safety, Social Security and health care, to name a few.

Larson was born in a federal housing project in East Hartford, Connecticut. His roots have propelled him throughout his career, as, according to his website, Larson is “fond of saying he is the product of public housing, public education and public service.”

Before coming to Congress, Larson taught history and coached football at George J. Penney High School in East Hartford. He was a small business owner who served on the East Hartford Board of Education and Town Council. By the early 1980s, he further demonstrated his spirit for policy and politics as a Connecticut state senator, a position in which he served until 1995. In 1998, he won his current seat by a 17-point margin.

Aside from his support of ASCs, Larson has championed significant issues that span the policy spectrum. Namely, he introduced the Social Security 2100 Act to “enhance benefits and ensure the foundation of our retirement system remains strong for generations,” according to his website. He also has introduced proposals to “allow the federal government to directly negotiate lower drug prices for over 40 million Medicare beneficiaries.” Other legislation for which Larson is known are the Energy Independence Act, the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Authorization Act and, of course, the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality and Access Act.

Drop the Congressman a line and thank him for his steadfast advocacy on behalf of ASCs and his service at large. His Washington, DC, office can be reached at 202.225.2265.

For more information, visit his website .