VIA Holds Health Care Action

June 03, 2009

Watch VIA's Health Care Action online on Channel 17's website.

Over 100 VIA leaders from Burlington and Central Vermont gathered at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue on Wednesday, June 3rd to advocate for comprehensive Health Care reform. Leaders met with Congressional Staff members from Vermont’s Federal Delegation.

At the meeting, VIA leaders presented research stressing the need for national health care reform that covers everyone, is affordable to families, is detached from employment, is easy to understand, has a public plan option, and is financially sustainable for the country. (Read Research Report) Four VIA leaders testified about the high cost of their current insurance plans, the difficult choices they are forced to make between health care and other living expenses, and the strain insurance costs put on individuals and small businesses.

The meeting was a culmination of over a month of Health Care Sabbaths within VIA congregations, where congregants shared their experiences with the current health care system. Binders of their stories were presented to the Congressional staff members.

All three staffers pledged to continue working for Health Care reform that follows the principles laid out by VIA and promised to present the stories of VIA families directly to their bosses in Washington DC. Additionally, they all pledged to continue to strengthen the relationship between VIA and our elected officials; plans are under way for a Clergy conference call later this summer regarding Health Care Reform.

As health care legislation moves forward this summer it will be absolutely critical to make our voices heard. If you would like to join a team of leaders committed to advocating for reform, please join our Rapid Response Team by emailing VIA’s office at office@viavt.org, or visiting www.coverallfamilies.org.