Seattle City City Council Endorses National Single-Payer Health Program
PNHP Western Washington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2009
By unanimous vote, the Seattle City Council today passed a Resolution sponsored by Councilmember Nick Licata, to ask the Washington State Congressional delegation to support two single-payer bills that would create a national health program. Congressman Jim McDermott has introduced HR 1200, the American Health Security Act, and Congressman John Conyers HR 676, the United States National Health Care Act.
Both bills would provide comprehensive health insurance for all Americans, the care provided though the existing private delivery system. They would replace private insurance with guaranteed coverage, funded through the tax system. Studies indicate these bills would cover everyone while reducing overall cost and establish a unified health care system.
Sponsor Nick Licata indicated that in this time of severe economic stress, a national solution to our health care crisis is especially important and would fulfill the Council’s duty to protect all Seattle residents from health and financial disaster.
Seattle becomes the 49th City and Municipal government to pass such a resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Nick Licata, Seattle City Councilmember
David McLanahan, MD, Coordinator, PNHP Western Washington Chapter