Photos and Video from Daylong Reading of Health Reform Bill on Capitol Steps

Submitted by pahealth on October 22, 2009 - 5:36pm

Supporters of national healthcare reform rallied outside the State Capitol October 14 and called for passage of legislation that would give America a healthcare system to be proud of.

The rally was part of a daylong "Reading of the Bill" on the State Capitol steps. Between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., more than 60 local residents volunteered to take turns reading America's Affordable Health Choices Act (HR 3200) in its entirety. That bill has passed three committees of the U.S. House of Representatives and now awaits action by the full membership later this month.

Several speakers addressed the urgency and necessity of reform efforts so that every American will have access to affordable, quality health care. Read more about the event in this October 15 blog post.

Below are photos from the event. Scroll down further to watch video of the noon rally.

Pennsylvanians gather on the Capitol Steps for the noon rally.

Eileen Connelly, Director of the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council, emcees the rally.

John Meyerson, Director of Legislation for the United Food and Commercial Workers 1776, discusses the importance of a healthcare reform plan including a mandate on employers to provide health insurance and a public health insurance option for the uninsured.

Estella Hyde, President of AARP Pennsylvania, tells the crowd that the legislation must also do away with laws allowing insurers to deny coverage for preexisting conditions and to base premiums on age.

The Rev. Susan Minasian, Chaplain at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, tells the rally-goers: "It is immoral for a nation as rich in resources as the United States of North America to not provide multiple ways for its citizens to have care for their health."

Bill George, President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, tells the crowd: "If you want a better quality of life for your children, your grandparents and yourself, you need to pick up that phone and give that Congressperson a call and say you want health care reform today!"

Participants listen to speakers at the rally.

Ann S. Torregrossa, Director of the Governor's Office of Health Care Reform, takes a turn at the podium reading the health care bill.

Harrisburg Democratic Mayoral Candidate and City Council President Linda Thompson also takes a turn at the podium, reading the health care legislation.

Watch a Video of the Noon Rally

Part 1: Eileen Connelly, Director of the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council; John Meyerson, Director of Legislation for the United Food and Commercial Workers 1776; and Estella Hyde, President of AARP Pennsylvania