Our voices were heard; the State House of Representatives and Senate passed the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership, the initiative to "pool" public employees into a single healthcare plan in the 2008 legislative session. While we waited for the bill to be delivered to the Governor's desk for signature, and we made sure she knew working families expected her to do the right thing...

As we organized our members and labor partners across the state to deliver our message, the special interests turned to lies and deception to protect the status quo. On June 13, the last day she had to act to sign the bill into law, Governor Rell folded under the pressure and vetoed the legislation. 

As we prepare to choose new national leaders in November, and rejoin efforts to "pool" Connecticut public employees' healthcare in 2009, we must continue to press candidates and elected officials to make access to quality, affordable medical insurance a priority. That is why we are mobilizing members to speak out at public hearings the legislature's CT HealthFirst Authority is holding around the state this fall.

 Blog entry mobilizing members for September 17th through October 2nd 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

 Blog entry announcing our May 22 press conference to respond to the special interests

 Action Alert with e-mail letter to Governor Rell

 Press release praising Senate vote and urging Governor's signature

 AP wire story on State House passing "pooling" bill

 Labor Lobby Day "pooling" Capitol News Briefing highlights

 CT News Junkie article on "pooling" briefing

 Labor & Public Employees Committee hearing

 House Majority Leader Chris Donovan's Connecticut Healthcare Partnership