AUGUSTA, ME – A new national coalition of unions, community action groups, women's organizations and progressive think tanks kicked off a four-month blitz in July with a single aim – to force the federal government to change the way healthcare is funded and delivered in the United States.
"Health Care for America Now" held simultaneous political rallies and press conferences in 52 cities, including 38 state capitals, and put a big target on the backs of candidates running for office in November. Between now and Election Day, the coalition intends to spend $25 million on national TV and print ads and force candidates to take a side on healthcare reform.
"The first order of business for our next president and Congress should be passing legislation that guarantees quality, affordable healthcare for all," said Alison Vander Zanden of the Maine People's Alliance, speaking on the steps of the Maine State House in Augusta. "People are coming together to say this is the year America decides – which side are you on?"
That question was a major talking point across all the rallies. In his blog on the coalition's Web site, campaign director Richard Kirsch wrote: "The insurance companies and their political allies will do everything they can to hold onto the profits they make by denying people care and shifting costs to families and businesses. Which is why we are drawing a sharp and deep line in the sand this year, in 2008, to get ready for winning healthcare in 2009. We’re asking America, Which side are you on? The side of quality affordable healthcare for all? Or the side of leaving us on our own to buy health insurance? That is the stark choice facing the nation."
While the coalition was clear in its choice of the enemy – private insurance companies – its members were less likely to fully describe the system they want to see replace the current one.
"We're not campaigning for a specific policy plan," said Vander Zanden. "We're looking for a uniquely American solution to the healthcare crisis that is truly affordable, that provides quality care, that controls cost and that is available to all."
The coalition claims a $40 million budget and plans to field 100 organizers in 45 states. The campaign’s steering committee includes ACORN, AFSCME, Americans United for Change, Campaign for America’s Future, Center for American Progress Action Fund, Center for Community Change, MoveOn, NEA, National Women’s Law Center, Planned Parenthood, SEIU, UFCW and USAction.