Hundreds Attend Labor Day Healthcare Reform Event and Send a Clear Message to Congress That Reform Must Happen Now!

LOS ANGELES (September 7, 2009) – Today, hundreds gathered at the Independent Theater in downtown Los Angeles to celebrate Labor Day while raising awareness and taking action in support of the day’s key issue of Healthcare Reform.
“Healthcare Reform is ‘the’ issue of Labor Day 2009,” said Laphonza Butler, Co Trustee of SEIU ULTCW – the United Long Term Care Workers’ Union. “We cannot afford to wait another day for healthcare reform to take place. Every day wasted is a day that thousands of lives are placed in jeopardy.
“Our Healthy Works Fair is the opportunity for people to learn more about this vital issue and to take action to ensure that their voices are heard in the halls of Washington DC as this issue is debated,” continued Butler.
The day’s activities, which took place on the eve of Congress returning from its recess, included free showings of Michael Moore’s movie, “Sicko” (offered with Chinese and Spanish subtitles), panel discussions with healthcare professionals, free health screenings, opportunities to email and call Congressional representatives, as well as participating in the filming of videos where participants could share their personal healthcare stories.
“With 6.7 million Californian’s uninsured - 1.6 million of which are Los Angeles County residents – and more fearing the loss of what coverage they may have due to job loss and the State’s economy, there has never been a more important issue facing our State and our Country.
“And because of the State’s recent short-sighted budget cuts to programs such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), the numbers of those who will be left without coverage are going to increase quickly,” stated Butler.
According to estimates from the State, due to cuts to the number of hours a home care recipient will be given, 7,000 Los Angeles County home care providers who are currently enrolled in the County’s healthcare plan will soon join the ranks of the uninsured as they will no longer meet the minimum requirement of 80 hours of work per month.
“I am at risk of losing my health benefits because of the State’s cuts to my hours,” said Rodica Mocano, a Los Angeles County home care provider. “Without my health coverage, I don’t know what I’ll do. I can’t afford insurance on my own. I’ll lose my preventative care and will be forced to go to an emergency room when I’m sick and it’s more than I can bear.”
“The more uninsured we have, the greater the financial strain that is placed on the State and on the County’s healthcare system. It’s essential that people understand that healthcare reform is not only what people want, but its also part of the solution to our State’s financial crisis,” said Butler.
The day’s events were kicked-off with a press conference attended by Congresswoman Judy Chu, Assemblymember Mike Eng, healthcare professionals from around the country, and home care providers who shared their personal stories of how important reform is.

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