2-11-09, 9:49 am

Original source: Progressive Democrats of America

For immediate release: Healthcare NOT Warfare: Members Will Take to the Phones to Support Conyers' Single-Payer Bill

Progressive Democrats of America will take to the phones on Lincoln's Birthday to call all U.S. representatives and senators and encourage their support for HR 676, The National Health Insurance Act, reintroduced last week by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI).

Callers will also contact the White House to urge President Obama, the nation's No. 1 Lincoln fan, to back the measure that would create some 2.6 million jobs in healthcare and related sectors.

“We're taking action in concert with a broad range of other groups to let Congress know that there is public support for a single-payer health plan as the only way to achieve truly affordable, quality healthcare for all Americans,” said Tim Carpenter, PDA's national director. “At the same time, PDA is continuing the Healthcare NOT Warfare campaign to urge a quick end to the expensive and counterproductive operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the redirection of those funds and energies to meeting the urgent domestic need for healthcare for all.”

Building on momentum from a similar call-in day in December and an inspiring grassroots conference over the inaugural weekend in January, PDA members across the nation will be calling the district offices of their representatives and senators on Thursday, thanking those who co-sponsored HR 676 in the last Congress and urging the rest to sign on as co-sponsors of the new version.

Also participating in the national call-in day are other groups that make up the Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Healthcare, including California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, Healthcare-NOW! , and Physicians for a National Health Program, among others.

Progressive Democrats of America is one of the nation's fastest-growing grassroots political organizations, with active chapters in 45 states. PDA is dedicated to reviving the progressive tradition of the Democratic Party through grassroots organizing and working with elected Democrats to advance peace, justice and social, economic and environmental responsibility. More information is available at: .