LANCASTER, PA - March 19, 2008 - Today, the Pennsylvania House Health and Human Services Committee, Chaired by Representatives Frank Oliver (Democrat) and George Kenney (Republican) held a hearing on House Bill 1660, The Family and Business Healthcare Security Act, which covers all Pennsylvanians at lower cost to business.

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Bill George testified early in the day, saying "It is a pleasure for me to testify in strong support of House Bill 1660, known as the Family and Business Healthcare Security Act, on behalf of the Pennsylvania 900,000 affiliate union members in the Commonwealth."

The bill was also endorsed by the League of Women Voters, represented by Janice Horn, who spoke to a packed room of over 150 people in the Capitol this morning. The bill would replace the current healthcare payment system, which has become unsustainably costly, according to Chuck Pennacchio, Executive Director of Healthcare For All Pennsylvanians (Healthcare4allPA.org).

"Rates double every 3 or 4 years for most businesses through no fault of their own. This is a drag on the Pennsylvania economy, and people and businesses are getting terribly hurt because of it. HB 1660 lowers and controls costs for most business, relieves businesses of the responsibility of shopping for and administering healthcare, and covers all Pennsylvanians regardless of employment."

HB 1660 is growing in popularity and now has over 40 co-sponsors in both the House and Senate, and has been promised approval by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who has said "if a single-payer bill makes it to my desk, I will sign it." Democratic Representative Kathy Manderino called for more hearings to discuss the mechanics of the new system, and Republican Representative Fred McIlhattan suggested the funding of a full economic study of the bill.

"The importance of today's support from these sensible legislators can not be understated," continued Pennacchio. "And we're grateful for the testimony and support of the AFL-CIO and the League of Women Voters, which do not come lightly. Only a bill as sensible, pragmatic, and economically sound as HB 1660 could bring such a diverse group together in support of it."

Healthcare For All Pennsylvanians

Healthcare For All Pennsylvanians

Healthcare for All Pennsylvania advocates for single-payer healthcare in Pennsylvania through The Family and Business Healthcare Security Act, a single-payer bill that guarantees healthcare for all residents and lowers cost for business.

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