08.24.2005

Rep. John Conyers to speak at grassroots hearing on solutions to the health care crisis, Sarah-Ann Shaw to moderate

BOSTON—More than 30 grassroots organizations are sponsoring a hearing at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall on Sept. 1 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to step-up the pressure on policymakers for comprehensive health care reform.

The hearing is part of a campaign to build a stronger movement for a "Medicare for All" solution (HR 676) to the health care crisis. Passage of HR 676 would ensure that everyone would receive high quality and affordable health care.

Congressmen John Olver, James McGovern, Barney Frank, and John Tierney are co-sponsors of HR 676 along with 45 other members of Congress. (For more information about HR 676 see: www.house.gov/conyers/news_health_care.htm)

HR 676's lead sponsor, Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), will speak at the hearing and local media personality Sarah-Ann Shaw will moderate. The hearing will feature three separate panels where people will testify about their experience dealing with the issues of skyrocketing costs, deteriorating quality of care, and loss of insurance coverage or access to essential services.

For more than three decades, Conyers has been a national leader and coalition builder in efforts to reform the health care system. He is the founder and chairman of the Congressional Universal Health Care Task Force, a 45-member caucus whose mission is to pass health care legislation that would guarantee every American access to affordable, comprehensive, quality health care.

Sarah-Ann Shaw was a news reporter at WBZ TV 4 for more than 30 years. As a civil rights organizer and human services advocate, she has demonstrated a rare ability to unite Boston residents and tackle big picture issues confronting Boston and Massachusetts.

All members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation have also been invited. Rep. Stephen Lynch has already committed to attend the hearing.

The hearing is organized by Jobs with Justice's Health Care Action Committee and is co-sponsored by:
Ad Hoc Cmte. to Defend Health Care, Boston City Councilor Felix Arroyo, Boston Democratic Socialists of America, Centro Presente, Chinese Progressive Association, Communications Workers of America-Dist. 1, CWA Local 1365, Greater Boston Labor Council, Health Care For All, Health Care For Massachusetts Campaign, Healthcare-Now, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2222 & Local 2322, Irish Immigration Center, IUE/CWA Local 201, Lynn Health Task Force, MassCare, Massachusetts Home Care Association, Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition, Massachusetts Nurses Association, Massachusetts Public Health Association, Mass Senior Action Council, O.W.L., Physicians for a National Health Program, Service Employees International Union Local 2020, Sisters Together Ending Poverty, Somerville-Cambridge Aging Network, United Electrical Workers-Dist. 2, Women's Health Institute, Women's Universal Health Initiative. National sponsors include the Campaign for a National Health Program NOW and Physicians for a National Health Program.

For more information, visit www.massjwj.net.