Health Care Fight Nearing End

Leaders hope for a strong bill

MVOC has continued to be the Valley’s leading grassroots voice in the national fight for health care reform. Over the past few months, community leaders made thousands of calls throughout the 6th, 16th and 17th Congressional districts.

Leaders applauded the support of Senator Brown, Congressmen Ryan and Wilson who all voted in favor of the House and Senate bills.

“I know that the phone calls we initiated made a difference,” said Hattie Wilkins, chair of MVOC’s health care organizing team.

Not only were calls made in the districts, but Valley leaders also made hundreds of calls to people in Nebraska getting them to call Senator Nelson. “We contributed to helping push Senator Nelson to vote yes,” said Wilkins. “People were listening and my opinion mattered, they were enthusiastic and wanted to make calls. It was government really working.”

An MVOC delegation is joining the PICO Organizing Network, the Center for Community Change and SEIU for a national affordability summit to further push for a good final bill.

Members, such as Jackie Austin of the Union Baptist Core Team, are pleased with how the team’s work is progressing.

“I’m appreciative and I’m honored that we played such a major part in health care reform our efforts were essential in the progress of reform and a reflection of how well it’s doing now,” said Austin.

Pat Lowry, a staff person for Congressman Ryan commented on the insurance industry’s role in opposing health care reform at an MVOC press conference late in 2009.

“Once we cover everyone that will change the business plan of the health insurance industry,” said Lowry. “All of the sudden, they will be involved in prevention and start to pay attention to what is being served in school lunches.”

Another individual who has shared her stories on the need for reform is Caroline Williams, a retired healthcare worker. Williams said she is looking forward to the possible increased affordability of senior health care.

”I'm excited about the possible passage of healthcare reform by the end of the year and the possibility of closing the donut hole for Medicare, which will make healthcare more affordable for seniors,” said Williams.

MVOC leaders say that health care reform is one piece of the broader issue of “health equity.” Next up, they say, is addressing issues such as access to healthy foods and other factors that contribute to creating healthy neighborhoods.

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