 June 12, 2009 Healthcare Action
Dear Friend, 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.)
 Contact your U.S. Legislators today. (Go HERE to find out how to contact your Legislators)
Ask them to immediately support a strong public health coverage option without conditions or triggers. NOTE: Asking for the merits of single payer health insurance system to be given full consideration would also be a plus!
Yes, we are ultimately committed to the cost saving single-payer universal healthcare approach of HR 676 at the federal level and Senator Leno's SB 810 in California BUT the next two weeks are THE moment for a strong push to ensure that there is a robust public coverage option included in the federal healthcare legislation that is currently under consideration. (Here for text of that legislation). Know that there are incredibly well funded lobbying groups taking to the airwaves to preserve the financial interests of the insurance industry. For more information about the debate over the public option, click here. We cannot be silent. Make your voice heard! 1) Canvass for a strong public option in Los Angeles, San Mateo, Sacramento or San Diego on Saturday, June 20th: Go Here for event poster and info. 2) Join Healthcare for America Now on the morning of June 25th to rally for a strong federal public coverage option and against state budget cuts to healthcare. Rallies will be held in Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Participants will visit Senator Feinstein's field offices with petitions for a strong public health insurance plan. For complete information, contact Patrick Romano at promano@health-access.org 3) UULM and the UULM Action Network have endorsed the Healthcare for America Now principles (a federal consumer-advocacy coalition supporting Obama’s principles for reform). HERE is a list of their principles and a short summary HERE of the need for a public option. 4) ATTEND A RALLY (see below) Interfaith Rallies in Sacramento - June 16 & 17 Join the Interfaith Community to Oppose Drastic Budget Cuts Which Target Children 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 to policymakers . For info check PICO or email tmorrison@childrennow.org For fact sheets on CA budget cuts and ideas for revenue, click here. Involving Congregations • Join Conference Call With Expert Host a UU Voices for Healthcare Study/Action Circle – order our new, adaptable curriculum for your congregation: order at admin@uulmca.org Monday, June 15, 6-7pm Join our new listserv for UU healthcare advocates. Resources For Healthcare Reform Information UULM recommends the following websites for ongoing policy information and action alerts: |
- Rally with California Church Impact