LWV Health Reform Forum Draws 100+

Last night, July 15, I attended a Healthcare Reform Forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters; American Association of University Women; Skagit Valley Publishing Company, KAPS Radio, and KSVR Radio.

The event was held at the Burlington Public Library.

Representatives of Healthcare for All – Washington; Healthy Washington Coalition; Island County Activists for Single Payer; National Alliance on Mental Illness; Office of U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell; Rice Insurance, LLC; Skagit County Health Department; and Washington Health Foundation gave opening and closing statements, and fielded a variety of questions from the audience.

The audience of somewhere between 150 – 200 were attentive, polite, and from all walks of life. Questions were poignant.

The event was very ably moderated by Patricia Terry. The League – and others – deserve kudos for bringing such an important topic into the sunlight of public discourse.

Panelists were forthright in their presentations, although a couple of them – perhaps unwittingly - at times repeated talking points prepared by entities opposed to significant reform.

The diverse panel provided the audience with equally diverse facts, figures, and opinions on what constitutes sound public health care policy.

At the conclusion of the two-our forum, one of the panelists asked the audience if they knew what single payer is, and about three-quarters raised their hands. When asked if they were given the opportunity to vote for health care reform, how many would vote for single payer, once again about three-quarters raised their hands.

Let’s tell Congress to take note of the overwhelming majority of Main Street Americans who likewise support single payer.