Grassroots Faith Leaders Praise Step Towards Affordable Health Care For All Americans

November 07, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- PICO National Network applauds tonight's historic vote in the House of Representatives to pass health reform legislation that will extend coverage to 36 million Americans, ban insurance companies from denying people coverage for pre-existing conditions, and help make health care more affordable to millions of hardworking American families, while also reducing the deficit. Click here to read PICO's analysis of the bill

"Tonight's vote for health reform proves that it is possible to make health care affordable for millions of families while being good stewards of our nation's finances," said Rev. Heyward Wiggins, co-chair of the PICO National Network from Camden, New Jersey. "The House legislation sets the standard for affordability for families.  Senate legislation needs to be at least as good, if not better, than the House legislation on this crucial issue of affordability."

"Clergy and faith leaders from across the PICO network have fought hard this year to ensure that no parent has to choose between putting food on the table or providing health coverage for their family," said Rev. Cory Sparks, co-chair of PICO from Lafayette, Louisiana.  "We are pleased to see that the House of Representatives heard our voices and passed legislation that gets the details right on affordability for families."

Through PICO, thousands of working families have been able to make their voices heard in the debate over health reform.  In the hours leading up to tonight's vote, PICO leader Fabiola Garcia from Stockton, California sent an impassioned message to her Congressman, Dennis Cardoza. 

"I have no medical insurance and as a result I have $32,000 of medical debt," wrote Garcia, a community leader with PICO affiliate People and Congregations Together (PACT). "For the last five years I have had a medical condition that I have not been able to resolve due to my lack of medical insurance.  I am only one of thousands of people that would benefit from this health care reform so it with great urgency that I ask you Congressman Cardoza to vote in favor of health care reform."

Hours after receiving Fabiola's message and messages from hundreds of people of faith and religious leaders, Congressman Cardoza committed to voting in favor of the legislation. 

"While the legislation passed tonight is not perfect - nor the final word on reform - it moves our nation closer than ever before to guaranteeing that every American can afford to get the quality care they need when they need it," said Mary Rabon, co-chair of PICO from Kansas City, Missouri. "It proves that government, together with the private sector, can and should play an important role in bringing greater security and opportunity for families."

PICO is planning a massive educational effort over the next month to help everyday Americans understand how the House legislation would directly benefit their families.  PICO clergy and faith leaders continue to press the Senate to pass legislation that extends coverage to all families and provides adequate subsidies for low-wage workers.

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Click here to see how your Representative voted, and then click here to tell them what you think about their vote.