Hillsborough County Democratic Party Public Option Resolution

Hillsborough County Democratic Party Public Option Resolution

WHEREAS, the health care system of the United States is in crisis, Florida suffers no less; with four million Floridians lacking any health insurance, and many more lacking adequate coverage, while the costs of private coverage continue to rise. This results in inadequate access to care, rampant preventable illness, and premature death. Further; this scourge, which is responsible for 62 percent of personal bankruptcies and has greatly exacerbated the financial crisis, has led our nation to the edge of an economic abyss; and

WHEREAS, public polls show that an overwhelming majority of Americans want health care reform to offer the choice of a robust public option similar to the Tricare system that is offered to our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. In the words of President Obama, keep the insurance companies honest, while co-ops or so-called triggers are ill equipped measures intended to pacify the progressive movement. They are wholly insufficient, and will not adequately address the health care crisis. They will not create significant competition, and will deepen the already cavernous pockets of the medical insurance industry; and

WHEREAS, health insurance lobbyist, and their Republicans allies have organized and funded groups of extremists to disrupt efforts on the part of the Democratic majority and administration to reasonably discuss the issue with the American people. They have served as obstructionist, and are unwillingness to compromise in any way to pass meaningful health care reform;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Florida voters, urge Senator Nelson to support only such healthcare reform proposals that contain a robust public option at all stages of the legislative process including conference and reconciliation, and encourages Senator Nelson to use any available parliamentary means to serve the American peoples interest;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we shall send a copy of this resolution to all Democratic members of Congress who represent our state.