it's hard being a social liberal in a social liberal town...

[lagilman]

I keep getting e-mails and pings to call my 'critter to ask if s/he's going to support health care reform this week, when it comes down to the vote.

My rep is Eliot Engel (D-NY-17). From his website:

Since it is unacceptable that a country that spends $1.9 trillion has sixteen million uninsured citizens, Rep. Engel is co-sponsoring H.R. 1200, the American Health Security Act of 2007. This bill sets up a single payer system providing health care coverage to all Americans regardless of ability to pay, requiring each state to prohibit the sale of health insurance that duplicates the benefits under the program and establishing an American Health Security Standards Board and a Quality Council to administer and guide this egalitarian endeavor.


Calling to ask how he's going to vote... um, yeah. That I think we got covered. How's your 'critter looking, in this fight? Have you told him what you want him/her to do?

Comments

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

Ours is a rookie moderate/conservative Dem in a conservative area (SW Ohio). He generally supports the President, but that might sink him in the next election.

I've found that it's hard to be politically moderate in a conservative area, even more so than being liberal; both sides think you're a sellout.

[ferragus.livejournal.com]

Since moving from AZ (thank the goddess!) to NM which went solidly blue in the last election, I've found that's it good to call my reps and just let them know that hey keep pushing, we really want single payer, but we appreciate even the public option as an improvement and to be sure and remember that they can count on us at the next election cycle.

Of course, I figure if they do pull this off (Please!!) I'll have to actully put my money where my mouth is, or at least put my butt in a seat and do some calling for them.

Promise, I'll do it next election :)

[supertailz.livejournal.com]

I called mine anyway to say THANKEE.

Health Reform Bill

[(Anonymous)]

*small frown* It would seem that Representative Engel is somewhat behind the times. On October 29, 2009, House Democratic leaders unveiled the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962. Therefore, the CURRENT House health reform legislation is H.R. 3962, not H.R. 1200. And yes, there HAVE been some changes to the details of the language in the bill.

Just as an FYI.

Best,
Day
www.DayinWashington.com

Re: Health Reform Bill

[lagilman]

oh, never say his website isn't updated regularly! *mock-horror* (says she with a three-month lag on her site updates)

My point being, he's pretty much on the same page as I with regard to this stuff, if not always the exact same line. I'd be wildly surprised if he voted with the insurance companies's puppets.

[(Anonymous)]

*laughing* Point taken. And thank goodness. There is a LOT of clout being leveraged on the Hill right now and not necessarily in the best interest of the general public. Conferencing the House and Senate is where this is going to get downright ugly and where I think folks will really have to keep an eye on their critters. Too many good provisions are being threatened, particularly in the name of cost-containment. :(

Thanks for the post. Love to hear that there ARE people out there who're more than happy to hold their member's feet to the fire when necessary.

Best,
Day
www.DayinWashington.com

[kradical.livejournal.com]

I've always been a big fan of Engel's. *smile*

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

I don't have a congress critter. But if I did, I would call.

[chicating.livejournal.com]

Yes, but he's protecting the country from Muslim interns. Hate him.
I wish he would, as the expression goes, die quickly.
Although slow and agonizing would also work.