Endorsement of the Family and Business Health Care Security Act HB 1660/SB 400

Whereas, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, over 1.5 million people have no health insurance, another 2 million are underinsured and, due to the economic crisis, those numbers are increasing;

Whereas, the recession threatens the economic health of Berks County due to lower tax revenues and rising costs, in particular the enormous increases in health care premiums for the county’s employees and retirees;

Whereas, the Family and Business Health Care Security Act, SB400/ 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;

Whereas, SB400/HB1660 would replace profit-driven insurers, with a publicly funded, privately run system, paid for by using existing state and federal funds, a 3% fair share income tax and a 10% payroll tax; eliminating premiums, deductibles, co-pays and caps on benefits;

Whereas, the City of Reading, the various municipalities, the County government, and the school boards of Berks County would have realized more than 50% in savings in premiums paid on behalf of its employees and retirees in 2008 alone with costs expected to rise annually, threatening the very solvency of many of these entities;

Whereas, passage of this legislation would provide a model for the U.S. and would attract business to Pennsylvania;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Berks County Democratic Committee calls upon Berks County commissioners, row officers, and the Berks County PA legislative delegation to endorse the funding of an Economic Impact Study of the bill and to support the passage of SB400/HB1660 at the earliest opportunity; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to the Berks County commissioners, row officers, and the Berks County PA legislative delegation and to the Governor of Pennsylvania.