Phonebank for the Weiner single payer amendment

[eridani]

For those who support the creation of a truly universal program of health insurance through single-payer, or “Improved Medical for All,” we have a historic opportunity in Congress right now.

In the next few weeks, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) will introduce an amendment to substitute HR 676 for HR 3200, the major Democratic reform bill in the House. This amendment would create a national single-payer system of health insurance, eliminating private insurance companies and guaranteeing comprehensive coverage to all Americans. It will be the first time in our nation’s history that single payer will be put to a full floor vote in either the House or Senate.

Although the upcoming vote is a victory, won after months of call-ins, protests, and countless other actions, we still have work to do. Reps. Jim McDermott (WA-7) and Norm Dicks (WA-6) have already agreed to vote for this amendment, and both have cosponsored HR 676. However, we need the other Democrats from our State to show their support for single-payer by voting for this amendment. Please call our other Democratic Representatives tomorrow and demand that they vote for the Weiner amendment. If you wish to call Reps. McDermott and Dicks, thank them for their support of single-payer.

Jay Inslee (WA-1) – [phone]

Rick Larsen (WA-2) – [phone]

Brian Baird (WA-3) – [phone]

Adam Smith (WA-9) – [phone]


The floor vote on the Weiner amendment was negotiated with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who may go back on her commitment if she does not hear from a large number of single-payer supporters soon. Please also call Speaker Pelosi to thank her for allowing the floor vote, and remind her that we expect her to keep her promise. You can send a fax to her office through this site.


Nancy Pelosi – [phone]

Last but not least, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will introduce two single-payer amendments to the Senate bill, one to create a national single-payer plan modeled on his single-payer bill (S 703), and the other to allow individual states to adopt single payer. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, have shown us that they are not willing to support any measures that advance single-payer. In fact, Sen. Murray has told us that she no longer wants to hear from single-payer supporters. But this can change if the strong grassroots support for single-payer in our State. Call our Senators tomorrow and demand that they vote for the Sanders amendments.


Patty Murray – [phone]

Maria Cantwell – [phone]

This call-in will take place tomorrow, on Wednesday October 28th. Nonviolent protests will also be going on across the country that day, including in Seattle. For more details visit Mobilization for Health Care For All. When calling your Congressperson’s office, ask for the staff member who handles health care issues. Go here for talking points and lobbying materials.

If you are unable to call in on Wednesday, October 28, do call in as soon as possible.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work at this crucial time.

In solidarity,


United for Single Payer

United for Single Payer is a coalition of organizations and people in Washington State dedicated to securing comprehensive universal health insurance for all Americans through the creation of a single-payer system. To get on our email list for news about future actions, email contact {at} unitedforsinglepayer.org.

For more information about single-payer and current bills in Congress, visit Physicians for a National Health Program or Healthcare-NOW!