Health Care Reform Returns to Washington

Quote of the Week:
"We should have enough compassion and decency to make sure that all people have health care, and it's not based on the size of their wallet, or the size of their employer."--Mark Froemke, President of the Western Minnesota Area Labor Council

With Congress headed back to Washington next week, it is increasingly important that you call or write your representatives for health care reform that includes a public option. Minnesota's labor community knows that, and has been working consistently, like a well oiled machine, to deliver a clear message of quality, affordable health care for all.

Just this past Sunday, members of Working America delivered (68) letters in favor of health care reform that includes the public option to Senator Amy Klobuchar at the Minnesota AFL-CIO Labor Pavilion at the State Fair. See the picture above of Working America members with Sen. Klobuchar.

Tonight, HCAN is sponsoring a Congressional Send-Off Event in Plymouth for health care reform supporters. Rep. Keith Ellison has confirmed, and staff from Sen. Klobuchar and Franken's office will attend as well. The event is a ticketed event. MinnPost has an article that states verbatim both Klobuchar and Franken's positions on the public option, which is the proof in the pudding on where they both stand.

As labor activists we know that the way to policy change is through constant discussion and direct action. Unfortunately, Rep. Bachmann's colorful imagery invoked in her comments from Denver last weekend do not help this discussion, and in fact, are insulting to working families. Please continue to call your member of Congress as they head back into session and ask them to support quality, affordable health care for all that includes a public option.