Healthcare "Pooling" Works!

Leading for Reform, Expanding Coverage, Reducing Costs

Members Joined Religious Leaders from Several Faiths to Deliver Prayers Urging Senator Joe Lieberman Not to Obstruct a Vote on Healthcare Reform in November

In 2009, our members' efforts helped push lawmakers to pass the bill that "pools" Connecticut public employees' healthcare once again, as well as legislation that creates a framework for universal coverage in our state. Quality, affordable medical insurance a reality for our members and all our state's working families required Governor Rell to sign these bills into law -- and despite our efforts, she said "no" to providing relief for the high cost of care and no to protecting or expanding access to medical insurance.

Thanks to the pressure our members generated, State legislators successfully overturned two of the reform bills the Governor tried to kill; the SustiNet Plan and legislation that protects medical insurance for custodians working in State-owned buildings. But the Senate came up just one vote short of overriding her veto of the "Connecticut Healthcare Partnership" so we will need to redouble our efforts to move forward on "pooling" workers next year.

At the same time, SEIU has been mobilizing members across the country for an American solution to the healthcare crisis. With the election of Barack Obama, we have the best opportunity to win affordable, guaranteed healthcare for everyone in decades. Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District representative Joe Courtney has been a leader for real reform as a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor.

As our elected officials debate the many legislative proposals that have been introduced, we are mobilizing our members to them to get involved.There is a right way and a wrong way to achieve reform, and we are standing up for common-sense principles that will benefit our members and all working families.

Blog entry on reform principles and SEIU's opposition to a proposed tax on decent health insurance

December 8 memo to our Executive Council on proposed healthcare reform principles

 Retiree health insurance reform facts flyer

State worker health insurance reform info flyer

 Blog entry mobilizing members to thank Rep Courtney and call on Congress to support reform

 2009 Legislative Session healthcare initiatives

 Blog entry mobilizing members for 2008 CT Health First Authority public hearings

 Press release with our response to news Governor Rell vetoed the healthcare "pooling" bill

 Press Release announcing SEIU's radio ad campaign

 Leaflet exposing CBIA's and Anthem's deceptive tactics

 Press release praising Senate vote and urging Governor's signature

2008 Labor Lobby Day "pooling" Capitol News Briefing highlights