Health Care Advocates Rally to Thank Arcuri for Historic House Vote

Utica – Nov. 17, 2009) Health care reform advocates representing the faith community, small business, seniors, labor and other local residents rallied yesterday at the North Utica Senior Citizen’s Center to thank Congressman Arcuri for his historic vote to pass the House health care bill last Saturday night. When Rep Arcuri said “yes” to the Affordable Health Care for America Act, he voted for good, affordable health care for New York’s families and businesses and against lining the pockets of the health insurance industry and other special interests.

Congressman Arcuri enjoyed a hero’s welcome. He was greeted by dozens of constituents holding Thank You signs and flowers that were presented to him. The crowd chanted “Thank You Mike” as he entered the center. Ministers, small business owners, labor and community leaders all spoke on how Congressman Arcuri’s vote for The Health Care Reform bill will help them and others throughout the 24th Congressional District.

Today’s rally was one of more than 140 events taking place nationwide over the past few days thanking Members of Congress who voted to pass the House health care bill and expressing disappointment in those who voted ‘no,’ siding with the insurance industry instead of their constituents. Since Saturday night’s historic vote, pro-reform advocates across the country have been greeting their representatives at airports or visiting their district offices to express their appreciation while Health Care for America Now, AFSCME, and Americans United for Change are running a $1M television ad campaign in 30 congressional districts to thank Members who voted the right way.

“New York families and businesses need affordable health care with the choice of a public health insurance option to lower costs and bring competition to the health insurance marketplace,” said John Furman, President of the Central New York Citizens in Action, Inc. and a member of the Health Care for American Now Coalition. “The health insurance industry and other special interests are doing all they can to kill meaningful reform, and we need our elected officials in Congress to stand with us and keep standing with us because if the insurance companies win, we lose.”

Constituents thanked Representative Arcuri publicly for his support as well as encouraged Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to vote to pass comprehensive health care legislation.

“Advocates want the health care legislation to be truly affordable for our families and businesses,” continued Mr. Furman. “That means paying for health care reform through fair financing instead of taxing average working families’ health benefits. That means stopping insurance industry abuses. That means shared responsibility between employers, individuals, and government. And that means implementing a strong national public health insurance option to help lower costs and finally bring real choice and competition into the health insurance marketplace. “

“We know opponents of reform are going to continue to attack, maybe even turn up the heat on the Senate now that it’s their turn,” said Furman “It’s important that Representative Arcuri knows we will continue to stand with him as he holds strong. Together we can fend off the lies and scare tactics and misinformation, and finally win that guarantee of good, affordable health care our families and businesses need.”

Health Care Advocates Rally to Thank Arcuri for Historic House Vote

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