150 March in Peoria to Demand Rep. Schock Support Health Care Reform
Posted on May 6th, 2009 by admin in Uncategorized
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Peoria, IL - Health Care for America Now, Illinois Main Street Alliance, Citizen Action/Illinois and 150 community members rallied on May 2nd to call for real health care reform in 2009. The event was one of 100 taking place in 42 states nationwide. Those gathered called for quality, affordable, and accessible health care for all in 2009. They demanded the choice of keeping your private insurance or enrolling in a strong public health insurance option.
“President Obama made an unwavering commitment to health care reform this year, and the people of Illinois want Congress to support the President and do what it takes to pass quality, affordable health care for all in 2009,” said William McNary, Director of Citizen Action/Illinois.
Despite the fact that everyday 700 people lose their health insurance in Illinois, Peoria Rep. Aaron Schock has voted against expanding the children’s health insurance program (SCHIP), legislation that his predecessor, Ray LaHood, supported.
Over the last 6 months, HCAN members have tried on several occasions to meet with Representative Schock and discuss the needs of Central Illinois families. Each time, staff members have denied the request, with the Congressman continually repeating outdated rhetoric that health care reform will lead to rationing and a loss of choice.
Representative Schock should understand that health care in the US is already rationed, with dire economic consequences. In fact, I.5 million Americans will face foreclosure due to a health care crisis this year. Rally participants urged Representative Schock to support reforms that would allow consumers the choice between existing insurance and a new, public health insurance option. According to a Commonwealth Study (The Path to a High Performance US Health System, Feb. 2009), a public health insurance option would be 20-30% cheaper a traditional plan on the open market.
“We can not get Illinois’ economy moving again without health care reform,” said Dennis Williams, United Auto Workers Region 4 Director. “Current health care costs are unsustainable. We need comprehensive, national health care reform, and we need it now.”
Pam Sutherland, Director of Illinois Planned Parenthood Council added, “Women in Illinois and across America need the choice of a public health insurance plan to reduce the chance they will forego medical care or rack up high medical bills.”
Video and pictures available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37683220@N02/
(Video “Peoria Rally clip”; Photo “HCAN-IL Peoria Rally 5-2-09)