Health Care for America Now - Update
Iowans Rally for Health Care Reform:
We Voted for Change. Get It Done!
Hundreds of Iowans from all walks of life arrived at the State Capitol with one thing in common; their Demand for Health Care Reforms Now! The American Cancer Society and Primary Care Associations filled the Rotunda displaying their information as they lobbied State Legislators for Health Care Reforms. Citizen groups from Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Iowa City converged on the State Capitol to act and stand in solidarity.
Organizations included Iowa Citzen Action Network, Health Care for America Now, SEIU, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, The Farmers Union, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Every Child Matters, Iowa Caregivers Association, Working Families Win, Iowa Health Care Working Group, Progressive Action for the Common Good, Alliance of Retired Americans and Main Street Alliance
Congress has been debating health care reform for more than a year now. Meanwhile, everyday people are still at the mercy of insurance companies' soaring premiums, denied claims, and inflated profits. Today we say, No More. No more politics. No more stalling. No more business-as-usual in Washington. We need good health care we can afford, and we need it now.
Betty Ahrens, Introduction
Betty Ahrens, Executive Director of the Iowa Citizen Action Network said, "We are very near the end, but we're not there yet. Let's finish the job in Washington!" From Senator Hatch we heard, "It could not be more clear that we need reform than this; Today Wellmark increased Health Insurance Premiums 18% on 80,000 Iowans. Without reform our Health Care System will collapse."
Fourteen Iowa Organizations and 30 of their members met with Senator Jack Hatch and Senator Tom Harkin's representative, Rob Barron.
Senator Jack Hatch
Senator Jack Hatch spoke of Iowans urgent need for the Expansion of the Iowa Cares Program for Health Care Reforms Iowans. He called for Bipartisan efforts in Des Moines.
Senator Tom Harkin's Aide, Rob Barron
Rob Barron delivered Senator Harkin's statement.
Mason City farmer Chris Petersen
Chris Petersen - Family Farmer tells of his wife being dropped from their Health Insurance, because there was 15 lbs change in her weight records. The family is now burdened with $50,000 in Medical Bills. Family Farmer, Chris Petersen, addressed everyone then took action with us.lobbying, writing postcards to and calling their Members of Congress.
Health care reform advocates were joined by progressive organizers and supporters to emphasize the pressing need to rein in corporate greed, regulate Wall Street, create more jobs, shore up our economy, address global warming, protect workers' rights, and finally achieve quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
Wednesday's Rally was part of a week-long nationwide push insisting Congress act now on health care reform and listen to everyday Americans, not the insurance lobbyists who are spending millions to block health care reform and protect their profits. Health Care for America Now and its partners are holding nearly 40 events in 32 states between the 16th and the 24th with turnout expected in the tens of thousands.
The flagship event of the week is the "March to the Finish Line for Melanie" - an eight day walk which started in Philadelphia, PA on Wednesday and will end in Washington, DC on Wednesday the 24th - the day before President Obama's Health Care Summit. The march is named for Melanie Shouse, a health care advocate who just lost her long battle with breast cancer after missing out on treatment because she did not have access to good, affordable health insurance. Supporters can follow the "March to the Finish Line for Melanie" online at http://melaniesmarch.com/