Hundreds Rally in Harrisburg for Quality, Affordable Health Care

Hundreds of health care advocates, including over 100 SEIU members, rallied yesterday in the State Capitol for quality, affordable health care. Pennsylvanians United for Affordable Healthcare, a diverse coalition of concerned individuals, local leaders and organizations call for health care reform in the Commonwealth and urged the legislature to pass Governor Rendell’s comprehensive health care legislation, Prescription for Pennsylvania.

SEIU members from all corners of the state, including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, and Hershey, came to voice their support for reform. Governor Edward Rendell and Representative Todd Eachus (D-Luzerne County,) addressed the rally, as well as nurses, small business owners and uninsured citizens representing supporters from across the Commonwealth.

“Health care reform is at the top of the list of domestic concerns in every public opinion poll and my Prescription for Pennsylvania has overwhelming popular support,” Rendell said. “It is time for the General Assembly to debate and enact my Prescription for Pennsylvania. This bill is about making sure every Pennsylvanian has access to quality, affordable healthcare. From what you’ve heard today and from what I have heard in communities across the state, the public can’t wait. They are frustrated, they can’t afford health insurance and they need help – now.”

SEIU State Council Executive Director Eileen Connelly moderated the rally. “True, comprehensive health care reform is not something we should do, it is something we must do,” said Connelly.

Prior to the rally, SEIU members spent the morning meeting with legislators about the importance of real health care reform and urging swift passage of the Prescription for Pennsylvania.

 View photos from the Rx for PA rally!