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Why we need to support the Healthcare Security Campaign
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There is not a single person in this state who doesn't need healthcare. That's why SEIU Healthcare Michigan is supporting the Healthcare Security Campaign - a ballot measure to require Legislators fix our state's broken healthcare system.

The measure would amend Michigan's constitution and require that state's leaders craft a Health Care Security Plan that:

• Ensures that people who have health insurance now won't lose it;

• Provides health insurance coverage for those without it;

• Controls and reduces health care costs to provide Michigan businesses relief from the skyrocketing costs of health care.

For so many years, legislators have been content to talk about healthcare instead of providing it. While they've been at a stalemate on the issue, people are becoming sicker, losing their homes and their businesses and the economy is suffering because of it.

As an officer of a healthcare union, I see firsthand the impact of people being uninsured and under-insured and I know this is an issue that can't be pushed aside any longer.

As an RN, a mother and a grandmother, I feel that everyone has a basic right to healthcare. It's far time we brought this issue to the forefront of conversation in this state.

We provide our legislators with some of the best health insurance available and I, with the Health Care Security Campaign, pledge to fight for the same type of quality healthcare for the members of our union and the citizens of our state.

Marge Faville, RN
Secretary-Treasurer
SEIU Healthcare Michigan


Reader Comments

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Healthcare for all
By SEIU Healthcare Michigan Jan 17th 2008 at 3:18 pm EST
This week, I, along with Secretary-Treasurer Marge Faville, spoke at a press conference for the Health Care Security Campaign. I spoke on behalf of the over 1 million people in this state who are uninsured. I know what it's like to have to choose between going to the doctor or paying for gas because you can't afford to do both. Frankly, I'm tired of people having to make those kinds of choices. That's why I'm so proud of my union. While others are sitting on the sidelines, they are leading the fight for quality healthcare for all!

Vernette Mahone, Home Care Worker
  
Question
By LandOfTheFree Jan 21st 2008 at 11:32 am EST
I truly support the need for affordable health care (not just health insurance) for all people. Our current health insurance system is costing so many lives, unnecessary illnesses, personal financial ruin, and encouraging outsourcing of jobs to countries with government-provided healthcare.

I have a question about why the group is choosing to amend the state constitution. I tend to be wary about amendments, particularly if they are very specific to address a current need, and may cause a bureaucratic headache as times change. Why go for a vote for a constitutional amendment instead of a bill? Is there any other way to mandate the need to address the healthcare crisis without adding something to the constitution?

A convincing argument could be made that healthcare should be a basic right of all people, so having it mentioned in the consitituion could be justified. I suppose that our MI legislature might not be likely to pass a bill requiring affordable healthcare for all. I'd just like more information on why the group believes it is necessary to amend the constitution.

I'll sign the petition, but need more information on this before I feel knowledgeable enough about the proposed amendment to promote the petition to others.
Re: Question
By Julielyn Jan 22nd 2008 at 9:25 am EST
Great point. Here at Progress Michigan we'll be posting much more info as this issue develops.
Stay tuned!
  
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