Single-payer healthcare is still alive and gaining support

Everyone is saying that single-payer, guaranteed healthcare, is a lost dream.

What about HR 676?

National groups of nurses and unions are endorsing HR 676 and so should you.

The alternative, a profit-driven healthcare system, is not acceptable.

The next two weeks are important for healthcare reform. Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York is sending an amendment to replace the current House bill (HR 3200) with single-payer reform. We need a good turnout to vote for the Weiner amendment – Medicare for All, HR 676. Comprehensive benefits, a single standard of quality care for everyone, substantial cost control, responsible budgeting, and forward-thinking financing.

Let’s be real, though. Should this fail, but show strong support, we will take our fight to the states. This is a chance to make reform real in California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maine, Ohio and Colorado.

Let’s make sure states can implement single-payer systems. Congressman Dennis Kucinich has secured a provision in HR 3200 – the leadership bill in the House – that makes state single-payer a more realistic option.

Call your representative to support both the Weiner and the Kucinich amendment.

Reach Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and key committee chair Henry Waxman at the Capitol switchboard: (202) 225–3121 and get them to support these important amendments.

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont will also put forth a single-payer amendment to replace the pro-private insurance bills traveling through the Senate.

These votes represent opportunities for real progress instead of more talk. Stop looking to Obama and start holding your reps accountable. Get off your ass and make this happen.

Together, we must change healthcare. For everyone.

Tags: single payer healthcare