American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors Endorse HR 676
July 25, 2008
More than 3,000 delegates to the 80th Convention of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), July 10-14, 2008, in Chicago, Illinois, voted to support the passage of HR 676, the single-payer health care legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI).
The AFT is the 15th international union to endorse HR 676.
Five AFT affiliates submitted resolutions calling for support for HR 676. They were the Chicago Teachers Union, Local 1; United University Professions, Local 2190; the California Federation of Teachers; the New Jersey State Federation of Teachers; and the AFT Seattle Community Colleges, Local 1789. In addition, one local union (the West Haven Federation of Teachers, Local 1547) submitted a resolution urging endorsement of a single-payer healthcare system.
In late June, the U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution sponsored endorsing the passage of HR 676.
In a press release issued after the endorsement, Congressman John Conyers called the resolution "historic" and applauded its effect on the battle to bring true universal health care to America:
"This unanimous endorsement transforms the debate concerning health care reform, a topic high on the agenda of presidential and congressional candidates alike."
Rising healthcare costs have drained local and state budgets of the resources they need to rebuild, renovate and restore the vitality of their communities. Increasing health benefits costs-averaging 11% a year for cities since 1999-consume city and county budgets, leaving more and more residents uninsured. Currently, 48 million Americans lack health insurance.
With state and local coffers bleeding, residents face cuts in needed services such as police and fire protection, medical services for the uninsured, road repairs, and parks and recreation. HR 676 would save money and control costs by replacing the multiple public and private payers with a single national health insurance program. The national program would negotiate fees with providers, purchase drugs and medical supplies in bulk, and monitor budgets and capital plans for hospitals and other medical facilities. It minimizes risk by combining the whole U.S. population into one large pool of over 300 million people. It would eliminate private insurance, which eats up 30% of every healthcare dollar in profits, marketing and administration. Medicare operates on less than 5% overhead.
Sign the Healthcare NOT Warfare petition, here.
Join PDA's Helathcare for All, Single Payer Issure Organizing Team, contact Diane@pdamerica.org.
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