It's been almost a year since President Obama unveiled his proposal to slow rising health care costs and ensure access to quality, affordable health insurance for all Americans. Faith communities have been among the most vocal constituencies for health care reform, and we need to stay engaged now as the legislation gets finalized. TAKE ACTION NOW!
Both the House and the Senate have passed health care reform bills, and the next step is seeking some compromise to merge the two pieces of legislation. The most likely scenario is for the House to pass the Senate’s version of the healthcare bill as it is. The House also is working on a bill that reflects negotiations between the two chambers and will improve upon the Senate version of the bill.
The big push isn’t over yet. On February 25, President Obama will host a half-day healthcare summit designed to encourage Congress to pass healthcare legislation and to give all parties a chance to have their voices heard. As people of faith, it is critical that we use this opportunity to let lawmakers know that their constituents still expect health care reform legislation. Faithful Reform in Health Care has several resources to help you advocate for inclusive, affordable, accessible and accountable healthcare legislation.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Healthcare reform is moving forward—slowly, but steadily. However, Congress still needs to hear from you during these next few weeks as they work to finally get the bill passed. Here are some things that you can do:
1.Health Care Reform 2010: Seek a Moral Vision (PowerPoint)
View, use, and share the new PowerPoint presentation produced to help people of faith understand what we've accomplished, where we are, and possible steps forward in health care reform. It is grounded in our goal to keep a moral vision front and center as we push toward the finish line.
2. CALL NOW: 1-877-264-4226
Every member of the Texas Delegation who voted for health reform should be again commit to passing reform. Let them know that you support health reform and will stand behind them.
Texans Voting YES on Health Reform:
· Henry Cuellar, 28th District (Laredo, McAllen, Seguin)
· Lloyd Doggett, 25th District (Austin, San Marcos)
· Charlie A Gonzalez, 20th District (San Antonio)
· Al Green, 9th District (Houston)
· Gene Green, 29th District (Houston, B
· Rubén Hinojosa, 15th District (Harlingen, McAllen)
· Sheila Jackson Lee, 18th District (Houston)
· Eddie Bernice Johnson, 30th District (Dallas)
· Solomon P Ortiz, 27th District (Brownsville, Corpus Christi)
· Silvestre Reyes, 16th District (El Paso)
· Ciro Rodriguez, 23rd District (San Antonio, Uvalde)
Here is a suggested script for your calls:
I am calling today to urge Congressman/woman _____________ pass comprehensive healthcare reform as soon as possible.
You can also add:
· Thank you for your hard work writing the House’s strong bill.
· Please fight for “fixes” to the Senate bill
· The Senate bill plus House improvements will help millions of uninsured Texans gain affordable coverage, and help millions more keep the coverage they have today.
3. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
The February Congressional recess is Feb. 15 through Feb. 19. This is a great opportunity for you to visit your member of Congress in his or her home district. Call your representative’s office today to talk about how important healthcare reform is to you.
Find out who represents you in Washington and get his or her phone number here: www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us
Keep checking the Texas Impact website for talking points, scripts and background information that you can use when talking with your Congressperson.
4. “A Call for Political Courage, Vision, Leadership and Faith” (Sign-on Letter)
This has been launched as an online sign-on letter to enable people of faith to urge Congress to “take heart and move meaningful health care reform forward.” Nearly sixty national and state/regional organizations have signed the letter, which was originally delivered to Congress on January 25.
The letter remains open for faith organizations, and individuals are now urged to sign on, as well. Our voices of faith are needed more than ever. While we support a variety of policy priorities, we are united in our belief that meaningful health care reform must be completed this year "on behalf of the millions who are left out and left behind in our current health care system."
5. Interfaith Virtual Vigil of Prayer, Hope and Action (Action Hour)
We are so close to enacting historic health care reform in the United States. But we aren't there yet, and we still have the opportunity to move the reform proposals closer to our vision of a health care future that truly includes everyone.
Join people of faith from all over the country in a first-ever Interfaith Virtual Vigil of Prayer, Hope and Action. From now until health care legislation is signed by President Obama, we will pray, offer words of hope, and take action. We intend to have at least one person of faith witnessing for health care reform at some point during every hour 24/7 during the coming weeks.
Consider what you would like to do -- write a prayer, send a prayer, send a letter, make some phone calls, sponsor a prayer service or vigil -- and sign up for your time by visiting the links above. Once we have sufficient sign-ons for the early days, we'll begin listing names, organizations and events on this website.
