HCAN, CWA, and Main Street Alliance Launch Maine Blitz
TV, Radio, Print, Online and Direct Mail Campaign Encourages Senators to Continue To Side With Mainers, Not Insurance Lobbyists
***See and hear ads here: HealthcareforAmericaNow.org/Maine***
Washington, DC – As Congress returns to Washington and President Obama gets set to speak to the nation about health care reform tomorrow night, Health Care for America Now (HCAN) – in conjunction with Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the Main Street Alliance - has launched a new advertising and grassroots campaign in Maine. The weeklong blitz includes television, radio, print, and online adverting and will see organizers from Maine People’s Alliance and its HCAN allies visiting editorial boards, canvassing, holding a press conference and other events, and encouraging Mainers to sign an online petition asking Senator Snowe to stand up to insurance company lobbyists.
The first TV ad is called “Insured” and features Lee Roberts – a 25-year cancer survivor. Lee explains that she has insurance but worries she will lose it if she changes jobs because cancer is a pre-existing condition. She calls on Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) to continue her independence and show Mainers like Lee that she cares more about the people of Maine than the insurance lobby.
“Lee’s not alone. Her concerns mirror those of millions of Americans who have health insurance now but worry they may lose it or won’t be able to count on it when they need it most,” says Richard Kirsch, National Campaign Manager, Health Care for America Now. “We need to enact reforms that guarantee good, affordable health insurance including a public health insurance option available nationally on day one to compete with private insurance, drive down costs, and keep the insurance companies honest.”
The Main Street Alliance television ad called “Maine Small Business” features Maine business owner John Costin and urges Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) to show their support for small business by supporting a strong health reform bill that would give small businesses true choice and affordability.
“We’re not able to provide health insurance for our employees. We can’t afford to do it,” says Costin in the ad. Costin had previously received health insurance through his wife’s employer, but she recently lost her job, putting their family’s health and the survival of his business in jeopardy.
“Small businesses like mine create jobs,” said Costin. “Being able to get health coverage will help me stay competitive.” Costin is a member of the Maine Small Business Coalition, an alliance of more than 1,500 Maine businesses working together to have a voice in health care reform. The MSBC is a founding member of the Main Street Alliance, a national network of small business groups working with to build a new voice for small business owners at the national level.
HCAN is the nation's largest health care campaign and has been mobilized nationwide since July 8, 2008 to win a guarantee of quality, affordable health care for all in 2009.
See and hear ads here: HealthcareforAmericaNow.org/Maine***
“Insured” Script:
VISUAL:
Lee on camera
Graphic: Lee Roberts
Alna, Maine
Lee looks at bills
Lee on camera
Lee with Son in apple Orchard and with horse
Graphic:
Keep your current insurance plan
Cover pre-existing conditions
Lee walks with son
Graphic:
Public health insurance option
Lee on camera
Graphic:
Tell Senator Snowe to stand up to the insurance company lobbyists.
888-743-4401
Logos – MPA & CWA
Paid for by Maine People’s Alliance, Communications Workers of America, and Health Care for America Now
AUDIO
Lee Roberts:
I’m happy to have health insurance – I don’t like dealing with the health insurance company
As a 25 year cancer survivor I worry about when I change jobs I’ll lose my health insurance.
We have to have reform that allows people to keep their health insurance if they like it but that forces the insurance companies to behave themselves.
And gives us the public health insurance option so that all of us have coverage – no matter what.
We need Senator Snowe to continue her independence and show us that she cares more about the people of Maine than the insurance lobby.
“Maine Small Business” Script:
VISUAL:
John on camera
Graphic: John Costin, Owner,
Veneer Services Unlimited
Kennebunk Maine
John with employees
Photo – John and family
John on camera
John working with wood
John with employees
John on camera
Graphic:
Tell Senators Snowe and Collins
to support quality, affordable health care now.
888-743-4401
MSA Logo
Paid for by The Main Street Alliance & Community Organizations In Action
AUDIO:
I’m John Costin, I own Veneer Services Unlimited.
We’re not able to provide health insurance for our employees – we can’t afford to do it.
I get my health insurance through my wife’s job, but she just got laid off this spring.
Small businesses are very important for the Maine economy.
Being able to provide health insurance will allow my business to be more competitive.
There’s a bill in Congress that would lower health care costs for businesses and families – we need to tell Senators Snowe and Collins that they can make a difference.
