July 5, 2007

I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything,
but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do.
Edward Everett Hale

All of your support in the past has helped us get this far. We are making progress, but your continued action and presence is needed so we can keep up the momentum we have developed and ensure that all Californians have affordable, quality healthcare!!

Best wishes,

Christy Baker
Executive Assistant
UU Legislative Ministry Action Network, CA

There is a lot happening on the Healthcare front in the next 6 weeks.  While we know that you cannot attend everything, if we each choose just one of the following events to participate in, and make sure to be in touch with our own legislators before August 20th, our collective presence will be noted and our voices will be heard.

The UU Legislative Ministry continues to support Health Care for All's work for a single payer solution to the health care crisis. Senator Kuehl's bill SB840 passed the Assembly health committee, and with help from filmaker Michael Moore, continues to educate across the state.

UULM also believes that the "Its Our Healthcare!" coalition can still make a big difference in expanding access to health care short of eliminating the insurance industry. Senator Perata and Assemblymember Nunez's combined bill AB8 is moving forward.  They are hoping to get something to the Governor's desk that he will sign - let's make sure it is something that is affordable for consumers, puts in place real regulation of the insurance industry, and expands access in such a way as to be a stepping stone towards real universal coverage.  This is a tipping point moment - time to step forward. Your legislators will be in their home districts July 20 - August 20th.

Some opportunities to have fun while making a difference:

Go to the Movies!

If you have not yet seen"SiCKO", the new Michael Moore movie that is changing the way America thinks about the health care crisis (having insurance does not mean you are completely safe!) please go to see it this week. You can see where it is playing at www.sickotix.com. Help build a market to get it out to additional theaters. And if you want to help Healthcare for All leaflet after movies, you can sign up with them at www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/HCA_CA/signUp.jsp

Attend a hearing at the Capitol!

Wednesday, July 11th, the It’s OUR Healthcare! Coalition will turn out in force to lobby legislators and attend the Senate Health Committee hearing of AB 8.  This hearing is a critical step in moving this combined bill towards passage. Grab your friends and neighbors and show up to support this "Super Lobby" day. Clergy are especially encouraged to attend. Let us know if you are able to come!
Meet at 10:00am in the big tent at the South Steps (N Street side) of the Capitol for a brief welcome & lobby training. We'll visit a couple of legislators, then line up to attend the Senate Health Committee hearing all afternoon (plan to stay till 5PM if needed) - should be fascinating. 
 

Join a Big Rally!

Saturday August 11th - The "Great LA Health Rally" will take place at 1 pm on the South Lawn of the LA's City Hall to encourage lawmakers to eliminate insurance companies from the health care equation in California.  The rally will begin with a procession of hearses from Santa Monica to the City Hall and will feature live music, celebrity speakers such as Lily Tomlin, legislator Sheila Kuehl, Lt. Governor John Garamendi and others. It promises to be an action packed day, another opportunity to make our voices heard.  I hope you can make it there and bring some members of your family or your congregation with you!! More info. on a UU contingent at this rally will be coming in a few weeks. We should have UULM T-shirts by then!