 June 13, 2009 Healthcare Action
Dear Friends, The news about healthcare reform is complex and worrying. Complex because it is complicated and many people have a stake in a variety of outcomes. It's worrying because decisions are being made that will be with us for a long time. This newsletter is being sent both as a call to action and a resource for sorting through these complexities and concerns. I hope you will find it useful and an inspiration for this work we do together. Next Two Weeks Are Critical For Healthcare Reform “This is it, folks. The concrete is being mixed and about to be poured. And after it's poured and hardens, universal health care will be with us for years to come in whatever form it now takes. Let your representative and senators know you want a public option without conditions or triggers. Don't wait until the concrete hardens and we've lost this battle.” - Robert Reich (For complete article read his blog here.)
Ask them to immediately support the choice of a quality, affordable public health insurance plan without conditions or triggers. NOTE: Promoting full consideration of single payer health insurance is also a plus!
Yes, we do believe that a cost saving single-payer healthcare system is an important part of true healthcare reform, BUT the next two weeks are the critical moment for a strong push to ensure that a robust public health insurance plan is included in the federal healthcare legislation currently under consideration. See a chart comparing proposals. To learn more: See the Center for Policy Analysis excellent description of the elements necessary in a strong public health insurance plan, and Healthcare for America Now's short summary of the need for a public option. Know that there are incredibly well funded lobbying groups taking to the airwaves to deny the choice of an affordable public insurance plan. We cannot be silent. Make your voice heard! 1) Bring friends and canvass for a strong affordable public health insurance plan in Los Angeles, San Mateo, Sacramento or San Diego on Saturday, June 20th. Poster and more Information. 2) Thursday, June 25th: Healthcare '09 will be the largest healthcare lobby day in history. While advocates rally in Washington DC, here in California rallies are planned in Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco - opposing state budget cuts that decimate the safety net and supporting a strong public option in federal healthcare reform. Participants will visit Senator Feinstein's field offices. Download the petition to Senator Feinstein and help collect signatures. For complete information, contact Patrick Romano. 3) Attend an interfaith rally to save the safety net in California (see below). Interfaith Rallies in Sacramento - June 16 & 17 Oppose Drastic State Budget Cuts Which Target Children & Elderly! JUNE 17 - Join PICO California and faith based activists on the south steps of the Capitol at 11AM to deliver messages from children across California in support of children's health programs. For info check PICO or send an email. For fact sheets on CA budget cuts and ideas for revenue, click here. Involving Congregations • Join Call With Expert Join an Expert on the Call Monday, June 15, 6-7pm We are honored that Ellen Shaffer, Co-Director of the Center for Policy Analysis and former healthcare policy staffer for Paul Wellstone, (see her bio) will be available on our UU Voices for Healthcare Team statewide conference call to answer questions about the public option. To listen in, contact Betty Jeanne or the UULM office for call-in info.
Resources For Healthcare Reform Information UULM Action Network recommends the following websites for ongoing policy information and action alerts: |
- Rally with California Church Impact