Local

Local groups get head start on health care reform

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Tags:

local

By Matthew Smith

FLINT (WJRT) -- (07/18/09) -- As President Barack Obama steps up his attempts to reform health care, local supporters are taking to the streets.

Although President Obama is pushing for an August vote on health care reform, some groups in Mid-Michigan are already at work on the issue, looking for support.

That support translates to signatures that can be sent to Congress to show that Americans are concerned.

"All we're doing is supporting the President in his call to do something," explained volunteer Mary Putnam.

More: Follow us on Twitter

Putnam got involved with the movement when she met others with similar interests while working for "Organizing for America." On Saturday, she and a group of volunteers went door-to-door looking for support for health care reform.

"Doing nothing is not an option," she said. "If we do nothing, the cost will continue to skyrocket and there will be more and more without insurance. And that's just not acceptable."

Not everyone agrees. For proof, just look to Capitol Hill.

"The President and some Democrats insist we must rush this plan through," said Republican Jon Kyl of Arizona. "Why? Because the more Americans know about it, the more they oppose it."

"Now's certainly not the time to lose heart," countered President Obama. "Make no mistake; if we step back from this challenge at this moment, we are consigning our children to a future of skyrocketing premiums and crushing deficits."

On Friday, two key House committees approved legislation that would make sweeping reforms and expand coverage. However, the overhaul is still far from being done, leaving some, like Putnam, hoping for change.

"They know were interested and they know we're thinking and they know we're getting educated," she said. "They're going to do a better job than if we're not involved."

If you would like to learn more about Organizing for America's take on health care, you can do so this week. On Thursday, the group will meet at the University of Michigan-Flint for a community forum at noon in room #150.

You can also call 517-894-1892 for more information.