This week the debate on health care reform legislation begins in the Senate. Last month the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3962, their version of health insurance reform. After the Senate passes a bill, the two different bills will need to be reconciled in committee.
As you know, the AFL-CIO is focused on three big issues in real reform: a public option, employers paying their fair share, and no tax of working people's current plans. Health insurance reform including a public option would bring down costs and guarantee quality affordable health care for all. Giving everyone the choice of a strong public health insurance plan will inject needed competition into the market and drive lower costs and improved quality across all plans. It will also mean that health care will be there for all of us, no matter what.
Please take the time now to call Senators Lincoln and Pryor (1-877-3-AFL-CIO) to ask them to support health care reform including a public option. Senator Lincoln especially needs to hear from you that we need this choice in order to have real health insurance reform.
As you know, the AFL-CIO is focused on three big issues in real reform: a public option, employers paying their fair share, and no tax of working people's current plans. Health insurance reform including a public option would bring down costs and guarantee quality affordable health care for all. Giving everyone the choice of a strong public health insurance plan will inject needed competition into the market and drive lower costs and improved quality across all plans. It will also mean that health care will be there for all of us, no matter what.
Please take the time now to call Senators Lincoln and Pryor (1-877-3-AFL-CIO) to ask them to support health care reform including a public option. Senator Lincoln especially needs to hear from you that we need this choice in order to have real health insurance reform.
Last Wednesday community and union members called for health care reform outside of Sen. Lincoln's office in Little Rock, pointing to the House health care bill as a model for meaningful reform and using the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday to highlight what's necessary to accomplish working people's goals. Community members joined the AFL-CIO, Working America, community affiliate of the AFL-CIO, AFSCME and AEA to deliver thousands of hand-written letters to Sen. Lincoln supporting quality, affordable health care. Thank you to everyone who has written a letter to Senator Lincoln, and please keep writing and calling!
Transport Workers Union Local 555 which represents Southwest Airlines Ramp, Operations and Freight Agents at the Little Rock Airport held a coat drive to benefit kids at Chicot Primary School. According to Ed Green, the drive's coordinator, "this project was our way of giving a little to the community in thanks for supporting TWU Local 555 members by flying Southwest Airlines." Thanks to generous donations from the Central Arkansas Labor Council, Central Arkansas Construction and Building Trades and UA Local 669, as well as discounts from Kohl's and Burlington Coat Factory, TWU members were able to collect more than 75 coats. Gloves and hats were also donated to help kids stay warm and toasty this winter. Inside each coat pocket was a package of instant hot chocolate, courtesy of Southwest Airlines.
