Senate Finance Committee passes flawed health care bill; Call Congress on Oct. 20 to demand real reform for working families

Oct. 14, 2009 - The Senate Finance committee yesterday voted out its own flawed version of health care reform legislation that includes no public option, no employer mandate and a tax on health care benefits.

It’s imperative that on Tuesday, Oct. 20, OCSEA members take a few minutes to make three phone calls urging Congress to deliver real reform that:

• Includes a public health insurance option;
• Requires employers to pay their fair share; and
• Rejects new taxes that would hurt working families.

Grab your cell phones, gather your friends, and get ready to dial 888-460-0813 to make your voice heard over insurance company lobbyists. You'll need to dial in three times to get connected with your U.S. Representative and both of your U.S. Senators.

Union leaders in Ohio and nationwide know the urgency of passing real health care reform legislation and understand there’s still much work to be done to impact the final outcome.

OCSEA Pres. Eddie L. Parks is asking union members and their families to call Congress on Oct. 20 and urge legislators to deliver a final bill that offers real health care reform.

AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee issued the following press statement Oct. 13 following the Senate Finance Committee’s vote on health care reform legislation:

“The Senate Finance Committee bill remains deeply flawed.  At a time when family budgets are already under enormous pressure, the bill does not ensure that coverage will be affordable for average families.  Moreover, it would finance health care reform with a tax on family health care plans.  Unlike the Senate HELP bill, the Finance Committee failed to include the choice of a public option to provide real competition in the health insurance marketplace.  It also fails to require employers to provide health coverage for their employees or contribute a meaningful sum to help pay for subsidies.  Senate leaders must make major improvements in the bill before it moves to the floor of the U.S. Senate.”

See Related

Legislator Lookup

What's at stake? Why should OCSEA members care about the cost of health care?