Title
WHEREAS, the United States is the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee access to health care as a human right; and
Body
WHEREAS, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, over 1.5 million people have no health insurance, another 2.0 million are underinsured and, due to the economic crisis, those numbers are increasing; and
WHEREAS, the recession threatens the economic health of Pittsburgh due to lower tax revenues and rising costs, in particular the enormous increases in health care premiums for the City's employees and retirees; and
WHEREAS, The Family and Business Health Security Act, SB 400 and HB 1660, provides affordable, comprehensive health care for every Pennsylvanian with services covered to include primary care, inpatient, outpatient and emergency hospital care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, hearing, dental and vision care, chiropractic treatment, mental health services, and long-term care; and
WHEREAS, SB 400 and HB 1660 would replace profit-driven insurers, with a publicly funded, privately run system, paid for by using existing state and federal funds, a 3% earnings tax and a 10% payroll tax; eliminating premiums, co-pays and caps on benefits; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh would realize significant savings in premiums paid on behalf of its employees and retirees, for example, the City would save $20,966,457 in the current year; and
WHEREAS, passage of this legislation would provide a model for the U.S. and would attract business to Pennsylvania.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Pittsburgh City Council calls upon the Pittsburgh delegation to the Pennsylvania General Assembly to fund an unbiased Economic Impact Study, hold public hearings, and to exercise every power of their offices to swiftly enact the passage of HB 1660 and SB 400; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to the Mayor of Pittsburgh, to all members of the Pennsylvania General ...
Click here for full text