Comprehensive health reform #1 domestic priority

A diverse assortment of statewide associations, service providers, and labor unions has come together to urge members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation "to make comprehensive health reform (the) top domestic priorioty and the one you ask your leaders to tackle first in the next Congress."

The request was made in letters sent December 19 to Pennsylvania's U.S. senators and representatives.  A copy (PDF) of the letter sent to Senator Arlen Specter is attached.

Among the groups endorsing the letter are associations representing statewide memberships of child care agencies, direct care workers, home care providers, community providers, mental health consumers, community action agencies, and retired persons.

In a December 23 press release, the Pennsylvania Health Access Network cites a recent survey commissioned by the the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that found 42 percent of small business owners thought health care affordability was the concern Congress should address first when it convenes in January.

In total, 36 different organizations signed the letters including Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, the National Physicians Alliance, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776.