Health Care for America Now Tells Sen. Feinstein ‘No We Can’t’ Is Not Good Enough
Californians to Deliver Message to Sen. Feinstein in State on Thursday
Washington, DC – Health Care for America Now (HCAN) – the nation’s largest health care campaign – released the following statement today in response to Senator Diane Feinstein’s recent apparent hesitation to support President Obama’s health care plan:
Richard Kirsch, National Campaign Manager, Health Care for America Now:
“Senator Feinstein should know better than anyone given the state of the economy in California that health care reform cannot wait. Health care costs are bankrupting our families, our businesses, and our state and local governments, and we will not be able to fix our economy without achieving a guarantee of quality, affordable health care for all in 2009. Now is not the time for saying no. Now is the time to get on board with President Obama, Democratic leadership in Congress, and the majority of the American public that know we need and can achieve real, comprehensive reform.”
Since last week, organizers in California have collected 1500 online petition signatures telling Sen. Feinstein we need reform right now and that it must include the choice of a robust public health insurance option. Over the weekend, close to 100 canvassers went door to door in 5 cities, educating the public about Sen. Feinstein’s stance on reform and the need for a public health insurance option. And on Thursday June 25th, community leaders representing organizations and constituencies throughout California will lead rallies in four cities – Fresno, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco – followed by delegation visits to the Senator’s field offices.
Also on Thursday, thousands of grassroots activists will travel to Washington, DC from across the country to rally and lobby in support of the President’s health care plan and the need for a guarantee of quality, affordable health care for all in 2009. Health Care ’09 – We Can’t Wait will be the largest health care lobby day in history with more than 300 congressional visits and several large-scale town hall meetings with elected officials. Actress Edie Falco will participate in the day’s activities, and rally speakers will also include HCAN Head Richard Kirsch, CWA President Larry Cohen, AFSCME President Jerry McEntee, SEIU Secretary Treasurer Anna Burger, Gov. Howard Dean, National Physician’s Alliance President Valerie Arkoosh and Members of Congress and Senators.
