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Hey Congress, Listen to the People, Not Big Insurance!

UFCW members joined with other health care activists in the fight for health care reform on March 9th to stand up to Big Insurance.

Over 5,000 workers, doctors, nurses, patients, survivors, and activists took to the streets of Washington, D.C. for a march culminating at the Ritz Carleton, where members of AHIP, the health insurance industry’s lobbying group, were meeting.

Check out the video of the day's events (on the right).

March 9th Health Care Rally from UFCW on Vimeo.

 

 

What Folks Are Saying 

All day, UFCW members and other health care advocates "live tweeted" the event on Twitter. Here's some of the recent updates:

       

     

     Let's Get It Done 

           
    We have come so far in fighting for health care reform. It is within our grasp. Let’s get one thing straight: health care is not dead.

    Believe it or not, for much of history, the United States has been passing legislation without the aid of a “filibuster proof majority” of either party in the Senate. Legislation has been passed through strong leadership and a commitment to serve the people. So tell Congress to use all the tools at its disposal to get this reform done.

    Our asks for Congress: 

    1. ) Use the special budgetary procedures designed for these sort of situations 

    The reconciliation process is a way for the majority of the Senate to pass items that affect the budget under rules that prohibit a filibuster. A simple majority is all that is needed to pass reforms. Since much of health care reforms we need are related to cost, it’s a good way to make sure those issues are addressed.
    Progressives have been told for months that we must accept a mediocre bill in order to overcome a filibuster. Now is the time for Democrats to do the right thing and pass a stronger bill via reconciliation.

    2.) Include part-time workers 

    Holding large employers responsible for making quality health coverage available to part-timers is not only good for workers and our economy, but will help pay for reform. Part-time workers should be included in coverage and in the calculation of fees on employers.

    What Can I Do? 

    Spread the Word 

    Print out the Part-Timer Flyer and post in your breakroom, local library, or any other public place.

    Call Congress 

    Calls do matter. If you aren't sure what to say, we've got a great online tool that makes it very easy and will guide you through the process.

    Links

    Progressive Groups Launch Massive Health Care Push: Congress To Receive A Million Messages Today Urging Action On Health. February 24, 2010.

    Part-Time Workers Need Health Care. Download the flyer and share with your coworkers.

    Senate "Free-Rider" Provision fails to hold large employers accountable. A new report, "Health Care Reform and Walmart: What the Senate Health Care Reform Bill Means to the Country’s Largest Employer," outlines how that the Senate Health Care Bill, as written, fails to hold Walmart responsible for the health care costs of its 1.4 million employees.

     

     

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