So many people I talked to within the last 24 hours are excited about the Supreme Court decision to uphold President Obama’s national health care plan (Patient Protection Affordable Care Act.) It seems rare to get good news anymore when it comes to the 99 percent, and this good news is a keeper.
It’s also refreshing to hear people from different political parties who all agree that Americans need and deserve this health care plan. It’s the right thing to do, if just for ending the discrimination against women. Here’s two more reasons:
- As a reporter covering health care for NYSUT United, I’ve interviewed many hospital and school nurses who see patients without access to health care – and by the time they seek help their conditions are worse. This harms their health (sometimes long-term) and costs more to treat.
- Like many NYSUT members, many of my friends and relatives have children just out of college who are having trouble finding work– and especially jobs that include health insurance.
To help folks understand the implications, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York announced it will be conducting 22 educational workshops on the benefits of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act for small businesses and labor in coming months. They will partner with the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. For more information Contact Lou Gordon, Director of BALCONY by phone at (212) 219-7777 or by email at loug@balconynewyork.com
Unfortunately, not only are some not happy about having this important health care law upheld, but they will be working hard against keeping this law. In fact the House Republicans have already scheduled a vote to repeal the law. Others have their sights set on making the Supreme Court more conservative and friendly to the 1 percent. So let’s rejoice in this great news! Keep it in mind all summer and most importantly, keep it in mind when you vote in November.
