Next up in healthcare reform: Resolving the differences

So what's next in the fight for healthcare reform? The House and Senate need to resolve the differences between their two bills before a final version can be sent to President Obama for consideration. From the L. A. Times:

Reporting from Washington - As the Senate lumbers toward passage of its healthcare bill, Democrats are looking ahead to the potentially difficult process of reconciling its substantial differences with the more-liberal House version -- the last major obstacle before President Obama can sign landmark legislation into law.

The final Senate vote on the healthcare bill was set for 8 a.m. Thursday, Christmas Eve, as Republicans held the floor today to criticize the measure and delay its enactment. Democrats are hopeful that the momentum generated by the long-awaited Senate vote -- and the high political stakes involved in finishing the job -- will grease the wheels of negotiations with the House.

"Each side knows we cannot fail," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). "Each side knows they have to give."

But after lawmakers enjoy what is left of the holiday season in their home states, they will return to wide and deeply held differences between the House and Senate bills on federal funding for abortion and the liberals' dream of establishing a "public option" -- a government plan that would compete with private insurers -- to guarantee access to affordable insurance.

The full article is available on the L. A. Times website. Bottom line: Much work remains to be done, much dealmaking is likely to occur, but little of it is likely to happen this week. Stay tuned to the V4CF Action Blog... we'll keep you posted on developments.

From the AP Wire: 'Health care bill clears key Senate test'

As reported this evening, moments after the U.S. Senate's late-night vote:

WASHINGTON – Landmark health care legislation backed by President Barack Obama passed its sternest Senate test in the pre-dawn hours early Monday, overcoming Republican delaying tactics on a 60-40 vote that all but assures its passage by Christmas.

"Let's make history," said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, shortly before the bill's supporters demonstrated their command of the Senate floor in an extraordinary holiday season showdown. The bill would extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans who now lack it, while banning insurance company practices such as denial of benefits on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.

The atmosphere was intensely partisan, but the outcome pre-ordained as senators cast their votes from their desks, a practice reserved for issues of particular importance. Administration officials who have worked intensely on the issue watched from the visitor's gallery despite the hour.

So, too, Vicki Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who championed health care across a Senate career that spanned more than 40 years.

The full story is available at Yahoo! News.

V4CF to co-sponsor day-long Candidate Training seminar Saturday, Jan. 9

Volunteers For Change-Fresno, along with allies the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee, the CLC and the College Democrats, is co-sponsoring a day-long Candidate Training seminar, designed for candidates, potential candidates and campaign staff, scheduled 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at the CWA Hall, 4422 E. Ashlan Avenue, in Fresno. Want to get elected to public office? V4CF invites you to attend.

The Candidate Training seminar will focus on how to be an optimal candidate, and places participants in touch with experienced people who have 'been there and done that.' The training will address what it takes to be an effective candidate for public office, how to enlarge your circle of advisers, and how to find valuable resources that can help you to succeed. The cost to attend is $15 per person, with lunch provided.

Topics to be addressed at the training will include:

* Building your team
* Messaging
* Fundraising
* Presentation
* Public speaking
* Meeting voters
* Understanding labor
* Attitude and movitation
* Media, and more.

Presenters will include:

* Michael Rubio
* Henry T. Perea
* T.J. Cox
* Patsy Montgomery
* Randy Ghan
* Susan Good
* Debilyn Molineaux
* Chuck Riojas
* Mai Thao
* Warren Meyers
* Michael D. Evans

Interested? To register or for more information, contact Michael D. Evans via e-mail at evansm@usa.net. We hope to see you there!

Senate and House healthcare reform bills compared -- again

Here's the latest comparison of the Senate's and the House's versions of healthcare reform legislation. After a year of ceaseless work, some from supporters and some not, the Senate's version may come for a vote as soon as tonight, with passage expected.

Associated Press recap of both bills.

Meanwhile, supporters of healthcare reform remain divided about the Senate version. Some (like Howard Dean) say 'kill it and start over,' while others (like the White House) say 'don't miss this opportunity to move things in a better direction.'

Should the Senate approve their bill, a conference committee between the House and Senate will remain necessary, to work out the many differences in the bills before they can go to President Obama's desk for signature or veto.

Stay tuned... it's not over yet.

Senate's efforts to compromise appear to be gutting healthcare reform vision

Well, it would appear at this hour that the U.S. Senate is managing to turn the hard-fought efforts of people across the country on healthcare reform into the proverbial steaming pile of ineffective overcompromise.

Between last week's announced Medicare buy-in compromise and the introduction of caps on benefits -- something that goes against the very core of the healthcare reform vision presented months ago by President Obama -- one wonders if this effort is indeed about to succumb to Death by the Thousand Cuts.

Here's a sampling of what's out there this morning. Click the links within to read the stories.

• Howard Dean says he's no longer supportive of the Senate's version, recommends they 'start over.' (ABC News)
  

• Senator Roland Burris says he won't vote for a bill that fails to include a public option. (New York Times)
  
  
• And even if the Senate does pass something resembling healthcare reform, whatever they pass is likely to set off a fight between the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. (New York Times)
  

Stay tuned. While I'd normally say something like 'this could get messy,' it's clear the mess is already here. Let's see if they can clean it up.

UPDATE: From our member Paul Pierce comes this, a petition from CREDO Action that provides a quick way to tell the Senate to keep moving toward true healthcare reform:
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/prog_sens_po/?rc=fb_share1

President Obama, Howard Dean both supportive of the Senate healthcare compromise

Hopefully all parties will release more details of the apparent Senate compromise of healthcare reform soon. In the meantime, the following story comes from MSNBC:

After agreeing tentatively to jettison a key stated priority — a full-blown government-run insurance option — Senate Democrats woke up Wednesday to some positive signs for the fragile coalition backing President Barack Obama's healthcare bill.

A much-courted moderate — Connecticut independent Sen. Joe Lieberman — signaled he might be able to live with a compromise to offer private insurance plans under the auspices of the federal employee health program while also allowing middle-aged people to buy into Medicare. Liberal Democrats also spoke out in favor of the idea.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate and one-time Vermont Gov. Howard Dean said the Medicare option for people age 55 to 64 was "a positive step forward." Dean, a physician, has been one of the most vocal supporters of the idea that the government should get into the health insurance market. But as it became increasingly clear in recent weeks that a new government insurance plan did not command the necessary votes in the Senate, Dean contacted Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., to offer the Medicare expansion as a way forward.

"Using Medicare makes more sense than reinventing more bureaucracy," Dean said Wednesday on CBS' "The Early Show."

The full story is available at MSNBC.com.

What??!?

The LA Times is reporting at this hour that "Democratic senators say they have a tentative deal to drop a government-run insurance option from healthcare legislation." The Times is including no details, but if the story is true.... hmmmmm. Here's the story as it appears on the LA Times website. More to follow when V4CF hears it.

UPDATE: Sen. Harry Reid says one thing, Sen. Russ Feingold says another. Here's the latest, from CNN.com.

Healthcare reform: What's in and what's out, according to MoveOn.org

With so many 'moving parts,' it's been difficult to discern exactly how the U.S. House's version of the healthcare reform bill differs from the one in the Senate. But that said, MoveOn.org recently sent its members their breakdown of what each version includes, where the differences lie, and their group's thoughts about what in each bill needs to be fixed.

From MoveOn.org:

We decided to put together an overview of where we're at­ -- both good and bad­ -- and what we're all going to need to keep fighting for.

Neither of these bills is close to perfect. But we're entering the home stretch where we risk losing a lot of what's good in these bills and where we have a huge opportunity to strengthen the parts that need work.

Here's where we are: The House of Representatives passed their bill last month. The Senate is aiming to pass its version before Christmas. Overall, both pieces of legislation would do four major things:

1. Create a "Health Insurance Exchange." The bills create a one-stop marketplace where people can choose from various insurance plans, including the public option. The details aren't set yet, but initially the Exchange would likely be open to the self-employed, people without insurance at work, and small businesses. The key with the Exchange is that it brings "the bargaining power and scale that's generally accessible only to large employers" to individuals­ and with that, lower costs and better options.
   
   
2. Provide insurance to over 30 million more people. The House bill would expand coverage to 36 million people by 2019. The Senate bill extends coverage to 31 million.
   
   
3. Outlaw discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and gender. Insurance companies will have to stop denying coverage to people with "pre-existing conditions." And they won't be allowed to charge women more than men for the same coverage.
   
   
4. Eliminate coverage limits and price-gouging. The bills differ on some details, but in general would place limits on how much people have to pay for health care beyond their premiums. They both cap out-of-pocket costs and ban insurance companies from setting limits on how much health care they'll cover for a person each year.
   

Of course, the devil is in the details, and much in these bills still needs work. Here's what MoveOn.org believes still needs to be fixed:

1. Both bills leave millions uninsured. The House bill leaves 18 million without insurance in 2019; the Senate bill, 24 million. Neither comes close to the vision for universal coverage so many of us fought for for years. We'll all need to fight to continue to expand coverage in the bills this year, and in the years to come.
   
   
2. The Senate public option is weak, and conservatives are pushing to make it weaker. The public option is a core piece of reform that will create real accountability and competition for private insurance­ and that's why it's at the center of such a huge fight. While the House bill creates a national public option, the Senate lets states opt out, denying their residents access to it. Plus, conservatives are working to weaken it even more. We're all going to have to fight hard for the strongest version possible.
   
   
3. Many reforms don't start quickly enough. While some pieces of reform go into effect right away, the larger structural changes are not scheduled to go into effect until 2013 (House bill) or 2014 (Senate bill). This includes the Exchange, the public option, and subsidies­ -- the major ways coverage will be expanded.
   
   
4. Required insurance could still be too expensive for many. Both bills require virtually all Americans to have insurance. But the caps on how much we're expected to pay are way too high, and the subsidies are way too low. Many progressives are working to fix this, but it's going to be a significant fight.
   
   
5. Reproductive rights are severely restricted in the House bill. An egregious anti-choice amendment in the bill virtually prohibits anyone purchasing insurance in the Exchange from buying a plan that covers abortion even if paid for with their own money. We need to make sure the final bill doesn't include this rollback of reproductive rights.
   
   
6. The Senate bill could discriminate against lower income workers. The current Senate legislation retains a version of what's called the "free rider" provision, which essentially penalizes employers for hiring lower income workers. This provision needs to be fixed before the bill is finalized.
   

There's a lot going on in these bills, and we're all going to need to be vigilant to ensure the good pieces end up in the final bill, and the bad ones are fixed. It's going to be a rocky ride. But if we fight together, we'll come out stronger in the end.

A hat tip to V4CF member Nancy Griesser for sending this along.

Healthcare, Santa, Stupak and Afghanistan: 'So, what's happening lately?'

Hello, all! Yes, it's been a while... and although we've not had occasion to send along our usual Calls to Action or updates on important issues, we of V4CF thought it would be a good time to send along a general update. So, with that in mind...

Next meeting: As announced at our recent Election Day Anniversary celebration, there will be no V4CF General Meeting scheduled in December. We'll plan to gather the group once again in early January... so please stay tuned for updates!

Healthcare Reform: The U.S. Senate's version of healthcare reform legislation is continuing to move slowly through the process. The bill does not appear to have stalled, but it doesn't appear to be the topic of action scheduled this week, either. Recent news reports state the Senate may work through the December holidays to move it forward.

As for V4CF's involvement in healthcare reform, at this point nothing has really been asked of V4CF with regard to helping reform pass the Senate. Whether this is because our Sens. Feinstein and Boxer have already stated their support for healthcare reform that includes a public option or because of other divisive issues like the Stupak Amendment remains to be seen. But, the Action Blog will keep you informed as to next steps, so again please stay tuned.

Santa's Village: Kris Arden reports our group has collected a good number of toys and other donations for the event, which begins next week. If you have any last-minute donations, please contact Kris at (559) 978-1736 or via e-mail at kkarden@yahoo.com, and she'll find a way to get 'em there.

Afghanistan, Copenhagen, Stupak, etc.: Wow, it's been a tough set of weeks for divisive issues, eh? Given that, and given the rumors we've heard about folks peeling off their Obama bumper stickers in the wake of some of these issues, we'd like to know where our members stand on these three. Got an opinion here? Please send your thoughts to V4CF via e-mail at v4cfresno@yahoo.com.

In the meantime, we're hoping that December is treating you well. Sound off, and keep Being the Change!

Santa's Village donations update

Announcing the donation count for Santa's village:

57 toys and 10 articles of clothing

Donations for Santa's Village will be accepted through Dec. 9. Each night the volunteers will be fed, so additional donations of the following items are also being accepted:

• Coffee, Sugar, and Creamer
• Paper Plates
• Napkins
• Plastic Tablecloths, Utensils, and Cups
• Desserts

To make a donation, please contact Kris Arden at kkarden@yahoo.com or 559-978-1736.

Next steps in the battle for healthcare reform

So, in the wake of the U.S. House's narrow passage last week of healthcare-reform legislation, and after some obvious spin from the right wing announcing the House's bill would be 'dead on arrival' in the Senate, what's really next in the fight for healthcare reform?

According to a report on CNN, the next step is for the Senate to vote to begin debate. And there are indeed a few hurdles to be overcome before that 'vote to begin debate' can happen. The article states:

Democrats need 60 votes to pass the motion to start debate. While there are 60 members in the Democrats' coalition, Ben Nelson, a moderate Democrat from Nebraska -- says he hasn't decided which way he'll vote, and won't until he sees the actual bill.

In fact, no one has seen the Senate health care bill yet. Reid won't release the legislation until he knows the cost of the bill.

So, the Senate's consideration of healthcare reform remains on hold, for a few days anyway. Read CNN's full article, and stay tuned to the V4CF Action Blog for more information and next steps.

V4CF sends its thanks to all veterans today

On this Veteran's Day, Volunteers For Change-Fresno sends its sincere and heartfelt thanks to all veterans.

And for those in harm's way tonight, especially for those in Iraq and Afghanistan, Volunteers For Change-Fresno wishes you a safe and speedy return home!

Healthcare reform passes House; Rep. Costa voted 'yea'!

Yes, we've been encouraging (nay, pestering) our members to keep making those phone calls, to keep smiling and dialing in favor of healthcare reform with a public option. And lately, the main target of our calls has been Rep. Jim Costa, who remained uncommitted until literally the very last moment.

I'm happy to report that, according to the website for the Clerk of the US House of Representatives, Rep. Costa voted *yea* on HR 3962, the House's version of meaningful healthcare reform. So, it would appear that all of those phone calls, vigils, marches, signs, and persistence paid off, encouraging him to listen to his constituents, 41 percent of whom are medically uninsured.

So, (tomorrow, since we're all needing a well-deserved rest) let's call Rep. Costa's offices one more time, to thank him for his vote in favor of meaningful healthcare reform and in favor of HR 3962. Those numbers remain:

Jim Costa -District 20
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

Those thank-you calls are every bit as important as the calls we made to encourage his support of the measure. And perhaps even more so.

In the meantime, another big Thank You goes to you, who phone called, who smiled and dialed, who held signs, who stood in hundred-degree weather, who fought hard for this to pass. To you, on behalf of Volunteers For Change-Fresno, I give my most sincere thanks!

And of course, it's not over yet. Next up: Getting healthcare reform through the Senate.

We've won this one... let's keep Being the Change!

Healthcare reform passes the House

Moments ago, the U.S. House passed HR 3962, its version of the healthcare reform bill. The final tally was 220-215.

Now, on to the Senate!

Healthcare reform needs your calls today. This is it. Make or break. Do or die.

If ever there were a Volunteers For Change 'All Hands On Deck' alert, this would be it.

The long-awaited day has apparently arrived. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on its version healthcare reform bill sometime Saturday, Nov. 7. And depending upon what time you're reading this, that's either tomorrow. or today.

The bill needs to pass, or it dies. This is the proverbial 'it.' This is for all the marbles. And this needs 218 'yes' votes in the House to pass.

Sadly and most disappointingly, Rep. Jim Costa is still officially withholding his support. Even though his website states "Clearly Congress must work together in a bipartisan effort to provide a health care system that ensures the every American receives proper medical attention at an affordable rate." Even though he also states on his website that he "will continue to strive to ensure that the needs of the people of the Valley are met." All while 41 percent of the people in his district remain uninsured.

He has a golden opportunity to do something positive for his constituents, but at last report he seems to have no interest in doing so.

To put it bluntly, we need to call his office enough times today to make his phones either melt or cry for mercy.

And we need everyone -- especially those V4CFers who are his constituents -- to make their voices heard.

Please, take a moment to call his office right now. Strongly encourage him to vote in favor of his constituents by voting in favor of the bill.

Those numbers?

Jim Costa -District 20
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

Rumor has it his Fresno office will be closed for the weekend. If that turns out to be the case, let's provide his Washington D.C. office with that deluge of calls. If not, let's dial 'em both until their lines smoke.

This is it. Make or break. Do or die. Let's get it done!

Community Food Bank Volunteer Opportunities During the Holiday Season

The Community Food Bank needs volunteers to help box Holiday Meals that will be distributed to families throughout the Central Valley during this holiday season.

Fortunately, all of the dates fall on a Saturday! This means more Volunteers for Change Fresno members will be able to enjoy the opportunity to make an impact on our community during this holiday season.

Information regarding the dates announced at the general meeting on November 3rd has been revised.

Please contact Kris Arden (kkarden@yahoo.com or 978-1736) to volunteer or for more information regarding the opportunities listed below.

Holiday Meal Boxing Opportunities:
November 7 - CANCELED
November 14 - 1pm - 4pm
November 21 - SHIFT 1: 8am-12pm, SHIFT 2: 1pm-4pm
December 5 - SHIFT 1: 8am-12pm, SHIFT 2: 1pm-4pm
December 12 - SHIFT 1: 8am-12pm, SHIFT 2: 1pm-4pm
December 19 - SHIFT 1: 8am-12pm; SHIFT 2: 1pm-4pm

Location: Community Food Bank
3403 E. Central Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725

Hope to see you all there!

Santa's Village Donation Update & Thank You

Hello fellow Volunteers for Change Fresno Members!

On November 3rd, we had a wonderful campaign reunion and toy drive for Santa's Village. Members donated a total of 38 toys and 7 articles of clothing at the meeting. Great job everyone! Let's try and boost those numbers by the time the event rolls around in December.

Donations of toys and clothing for schools age children will be accepted through November 15th (the deadline may be extended, so stay tuned). Please contact Kris Arden (kkarden@yahoo.com or 978-1736) if you would like to make a donation.

Thank you to all the members who brought toys and clothing to the meeting. As many of you know, these may be the only gifts the children who attend Santa's Village receive the entire holiday season. Thanks to your generosity, their holidays will be brighter.

U.S. House presents healthcare reform bill that includes a public option

Breaking news, as reported in the L.A. Times:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, unveiling the House's plan for a compromise on healthcare legislation today, said the bill would offer new insurance for tens of millions of Americans and lower costs for those who already have coverage.

The plan represents a compromise among various interests in the House, the speaker said. It also will lead to a planned House vote and position House leaders for negotiations with Senate leaders crafting their own plan.

Pelosi maintained that the House leadership's compromise would make healthcare more affordable for the middle class and more secure for seniors. The bill offers health insurance for an additional 36 million Americans, she said -- offering coverage for 96% of all citizens -- and its cost over 10 years, under $900 billion, would not increase the federal budget deficit.

The article states that a vote on the bill is expected to happen in the next two weeks. The full article is available on the L.A. Times website.

Make your feet -- and voices -- heard at March for Quality Healthcare Reform Nov. 4

Volunteers For Change-Fresno, along with a number of other community and labor groups, invite you to make your voices heard during the 'March for Quality Healthcare Reform,' scheduled 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, in downtown Fresno. Sponsored by the Central Valley Health Care Reform Coalition, the March is intended to demonstrate wide support for meaningful healthcare reform here in the Central Valley.

March participants will meet before 11:30 a.m. outside the offices of Sen. Diane Feinstein and Sen. Barbara Boxer, 2500 Tulare St. in downtown Fresno. Both Senators Feinstein and Boxer have declared their support both for healthcare reform and a public option, so our purpose there will be to thank them visibly for their support.

The March will then proceed to the office of Rep. Jim Costa at 855 M Street. With Rep. Costa still holding out on healthcare reform, our purpose there will be to demonstrate to Rep. Costa that there is wide support for both healthcare reform and the public option. Having a good turnout of marchers will be important, because we're planning to line both sides of the street at Rep. Costa's office.

Want to participate? Contact Nancy Griesser at (559) 325-1616 or via e-mail to nancyg@csufresno.edu. Lunch will be provided, but it recommended that marchers bring quarters to pay for the metered parking available. Six quarters will pay for two hours' parking.

The battle for healthcare reform is far from over. We've made great efforts, but we need to see this through to the finish line. Let's march!

V4CF members and friends invited to our 'Obama Campaign Reunion' event Nov. 3

In lieu of a formal Volunteers For Change-Fresno meeting in November, we're inviting all of our members to join us during the evening of Nov. 3, for a celebration marking the one-year anniversary of President Obama's election.

With many of our members coming to Volunteers For Change as a direct result of their hard work on the Obama Campaign , the one-year anniversary of the election seems a good time to come together, to reconnect with those whom we worked alongside during the many hours of canvassing and phonebanking, to celebrate the anniversary and recount V4CF's successes in 2009.

Our 'Obama Campaign Reunion and Toy Drive' is scheduled 7-8:30 p.m Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the large community room of the Woodward Park Library, 944 East Perrin Avenue in northeast Fresno.

The evening's festivities will include a video and slideshow from last year's Fresno For Obama campaign. We'll have some appetizers and refreshments there, and we're asking attendees to bring some kind of 'finger food' to share.

Last but not least, at the Reunion we'll be collecting toys for this year's 'Santa's Village' event. To donate, please bring a new or slightly used toy to the Reunion. Volunteers For Change will donate those toys to the Southwest Policing District's 'Santas Village' event.

We hope to see you there!

Healthcare update: Public option in the House, Lieberman in the outhouse

Just passing along a quick update on healthcare reform legislation. Yesterday, independent Senator Joseph Lieberman announced he would join a Republican filibuster to prevent a public option from being included in healthcare reform legislation. For details, see the full story on CNN.com.

That said, it appears the House of Representatives is ready to support one form of a public option in the legislation it will consider. For the details, see the full story on CNN.com.

It's not over yet. Stay tuned, and keep making those phone calls. Those numbers are:

Representatives:

Jim Costa -District 20
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

George Radanovich - District 19
Local: (559) 449-2490
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4540

Devin Nunes – District 21
Local: (559) 323-5235
Washington D.C.: (202) 225-2523

Senators:

Diane Feinstein
Local: (559) 485-7430
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3841

Barbara Boxer
Local: (559) 497-5109
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3553

Sen. Reid now backing inclusion of a public option

From CNN and other news sources:

The contentious debate over health care took a new twist Monday as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced his decision to craft legislation including a public insurance option allowing states to opt out.

Reid, a Nevada Democrat, has been melding legislation from the more conservative Senate Finance Committee and the more liberal Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. The Health Committee included a form of the public option in its bill; the Finance Committee did not.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has insisted that the House of Representatives will pass a health care reform bill including a public option.

President Obama is "pleased that the Senate has decided to include a public option for health coverage," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a written statement.

The full article is available at CNN.com.

Save the Date; Anticipate that your phone will ring sometime this weekend

V4CFers: Please mark the evening of Nov. 3 as 'busy' on your calendars!

Why? This weekend, a crack squadron of the V4CF Telephone Team will be calling all V4CF members to invite them to a very special event we've planned for the evening of Nov. 3. Fun, enlightenment, fond memories and a bit of holiday cheer will be on tap that evening for all V4CFers, and for all who worked so diligently on the Obama Campaign last fall.

But... until then, mum's the word. Listen for the ringing of your phone sometime this weekend. We'll spill the details then.

Oh, and before I forget: Here's that map we'll mention.

Decision on public option is near; Rep. Costa still needs a nudge

From our friends at MoveOn.org:

This afternoon, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other House leaders will make a decision on whether to include a robust public option in the House health care bill.

Pelosi is leading the charge to put the strongest possible public option in the bill, but she needs to be sure she has the votes to pass it on the House floor. According to news reports, she's still a few votes shy, so we've got to act fast.

Representative Jim Costa could be a key vote on the public option. Can you call right away and urge him to stand with Speaker Pelosi and support the most robust public health insurance option—the one called "Medicare plus five"?

Here's where to call:

Representative Jim Costa
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

Meanwhile, the lunch-hour informational picket outside Rep. Costa's Fresno office continues. Want to make your lunch hour today more productive? Join us 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. today, Oct. 23, outside his office at 855 M Street in downtown Fresno.

Let's get it done!

HandsOn invites V4CF to participate in 'Make A Difference Day' Oct. 24

HandsOn Central California has invited Volunteers For Change-Fresno members to participate in 'Make A Difference Day," scheduled 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Lowell Elementary School in Fresno. HandsOn writes:

Each year on Make A Difference Day, community volunteers participate in a project that addresses critical community needs. This year's efforts will be centered on Fresno's Lowell Neighborhood, where 500 volunteers are needed to help with a series of community revitalization projects, including:

• Cleanup and beautification of Belmont Avenue between Blackstone and Fulton;
• Beautification of the Lowell School;
• Paint touch-ups;
• Cleanup of 80 vacant lots;
• Planting of daffodils as a symbol of hope and renewal; and more.

For more information, contact Joseph Cody of HandsOn Central California at (559) 237-3101 or via email at jcody@handsoncentralcal.org. To volunteer, visit the sign-up page on the HandsOn Central California website.

Donations needed for SW Policing District's annual 'Santa's Village' event

As announced at our meeting Oct. 13, Volunteers For Change-Fresno is collecting donations of toys, clothes and more in support of 'Santa's Village,' an annual event for kids living in ZIP Code 93706.

Conducted each year by Fresno's Southwest Policing District, the 'Santa's Village' event allows kids from ZIP Code 93706 the opportunity to receive a holiday gift and a high-quality photo with Santa. Event organizers expect to serve more than three thousand children over the event's six evenings this year, with families braving long lines and chilly weather for the opportunity to creating a family memory by having their children receive a gift and a photo with Santa.

Want to help? Santa's Village needs donations of new or slightly used:

• Toys, especially stuffed animalls;
• Clothing, in children's sizes 0-18;
• Mittens and gloves;
• Warm hats, jackets and shoes.

To donate, bring your items to a Volunteers For Change-Fresno meeting, or contact V4CF members Kris Arden (978-1736 or kkarden@yahoo.com) or Nancy Griesser (325-1616 or nancyg@csufresno.edu). Monetary donations are also gladly accepted; checks should be made payable to the Fresno Police Neighborhood Watch Association (FPNWA).

Volunteers needed to 'smile and dial' in support of healthcare reform Oct. 21

It's 'time to deliver' on healthcare reform. With that in mind, Volunteers For Change-Fresno and other groups are invited to lend their support to healthcare reform with a public option at a phonebanking session, scheduled 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Hall, 4422 E. Ashlan Ave. in Fresno.

CWA Vice President Stan Santos will kick off the event at 5 p.m. with a short presentation on health insurance reform. After that, volunteers will 'smile and dial' constituents of Rep. Jim Costa (who's still withholding his support for both healthcare reform and a public option) to encourage them to express their support for healthcare reform and the public option with Rep. Costa.

Bring your cell phones, chargers and extra minutes. Scripts, snacks and good company will be provided.

Want to participate? Contact V4CF member Connie Peterson at c.peterson8784@sbcglobal.net, or sign up on the event page at MyBarackObama.com.

President Obama's weekly address: Taking on the insurance companies down the stretch

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov:

In his weekly address, and as the health insurance reform debate enters into its final stages in Congress, President Obama denounces the desperate and deceptive last-ditch efforts of the health insurance companies to derail it.

If the viewscreen below is not visible, President Obama's weekly address can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqXgp5mWU00.

From the Daily Kos: Time to employ campaign spirit in support of the public option

V4CF member Ruth Afifi sent this Daily Kos article along, encouraging those who supported Barack Obama last year in his campaign for the Presidency employ that same spirit and energy toward support of the public option in healthcare reform. From the Daily Kos:

It's time for those who phone banked and wrote letters to get back down to it. We need to be the change, we need to feel the hope, and this time it's health care reform that's at stake. It's time to hold Obama's feet to the fire, exactly as he asked us to do, because we cared then and we still care. Do we want to be drowned out by the voices of Washington politics-as-usual? The same old, same old? No! It's the hour of hope; the time for cynicism is no more.

Want to get it done? Call. Write. Tweet. Here's the info:

Email: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Comments: (202) 456-1111
Switchboard: (202) 456-1414
Fax: (202) 456-2461
TTY/TDD Comments: (202) 456-6213
Twitter: @whitehouse @BarackObama:PUBLIC OPTION NOW! NO TRIGGERS! NO CO-OPS! NO OPT OUT! PUBLIC OPTION NOW!

The full article is available on the Daily Kos website.

'Issue teams,' Santa's Village project the topics at V4CF General Meeting Oct. 13

We hope you'll join us at the next Volunteers for Change-Fresno general meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the large meeting room at the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

Our meeting will include:

• A discussion about setting up V4CF 'issue teams,' groups of volunteers who will take the lead on researching issues important to us, and will build bridges to other like-minded groups to coordinate our efforts in support of our mission;
  
  
• More details on our efforts to support the Fresno 'Santa's Village' project in December. Donations for Santa's Village will also be accepted at the meeting; help by donating new or slightly used toys (especially stuffed animals), clothing for children under 18, mittens and gloves, warm hats, jackets, and shoes;
  
  
• A demonstration of how easy it can be to use the V4CF Action Blog to make calls to our Congressional representatives;
  
  
• A quick and voluntary "pass o'the hat" to fund some V4CF basics, like paper and printer ink; and
  
  
• The debut of our long-awaited V4CF T-Shirts, which will be available in several sizes for $15 each. Get yours at our Tuesday meeting... correct change will be appreciated, but not required.
  

Expect intelligent conversation, enlightening commentary, and high T-shirt fashion at our meeting! We hope to see you there!

President Obama's weekly address: Cooler heads prevailing on healthcare reform

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov:

In his weekly address, President Obama goes through the leading conservative and Republican figures who have come out one after another urging passage of health insurance reform. After a summer of intense debate, cooler heads begin to prevail to make progress for the American people.

If the viewscreen below is not visible, President Obama's weekly address can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS5T-Nkti7o

Sen. Feinstein declares her support for public option

Those 'Smile and Dial' phone calls seem to be working. Sen. Diane Feinstein, until recently a holdout on the issue, declared her support yesterday for a strong public option in healthcare reform. Here's the announcement, from her official website:

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, along with 29 Democratic Senate colleagues, has signed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging the inclusion of a public option in any health reform legislation that will be considered on the Senate floor. An additional 14 Senators at least have expressed support for the public option through a resolution, letter, or by voting for a strong public option during committee markups.

The Senators’ letter states that “absent a competitive and continuous public insurance option – health reform legislation will not produce nationwide access and ongoing cost containment.”

It continues: “The number one goal of health reform must be to look out for the best interests of the American people – patients and taxpayers alike – not the profit margins of insurance companies.”

The full text of the announcement is available on Sen. Feinstein's official website. In the meantime, let's call her offices one more time, to thank her for her support! Those numbers again:

Senator Diane Feinstein
Local: (559) 485-7430
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3841

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow talks about President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize recognition

While it may not be an official Volunteers For Change-Fresno communication, Rachel Maddow's analysis may go a long way toward rebutting the Limbaughs, Becks and Tea Partiers of the world on the issue of President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize. Enjoy!

If the viewscreen below is not visible, Rachel Maddow's analysis is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMJuEOaF84o.

President Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize

Wow! From the news wires:

President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, citing his outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.

President Obama's efforts to promote a "global response to global challenges" cemented their decision.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/09/world/main5373311.shtml

'Until it's passed': Picket to continue outside Rep. Costa's office

The healthcare-reform 'finish line' in getting closer by the minute, and with activity in Washington D.C. approaching a fever pitch, the time for our final push supporting meaningful reform is at hand.

Remember the 'sustained picket' outside Rep. Jim Costa's Fresno office? By all accounts it's been a great success in calling attention to the issue. So much so that the coalition of groups involved have announced the picket will continue, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday outside Rep. Costa's Fresno office at 855 M Street in downtown Fresno, until healthcare reform is enacted.

V4CF members are invited and encouraged to participate. Got a spare lunch hour or two? Come on down, join the picket, and help to turn the tide! Signs will be provided; all you need to bring are quarters (for metered parking), sunscreen or a big hat, a sweater or sweatshirt given our cooler weather lately, and your voice supporting meaningful healthcare reform.

Those who support President Obama's plan for meaningful healthcare reform are also asked to... wait for it... KEEP MAKING THOSE CALLS. Calling Rep. Costa's office to express your support is especially important right now, but there's no reason to take the pressure off of our other Congressional representatives. Smile and dial... those numbers remain:

Representatives:

Jim Costa - the person to call! -District 20
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

George Radanovich - District 19
Local: (559) 449-2490
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4540

Devin Nunes – District 21
Local: (559) 323-5235
Washington D.C.: (202) 225-2523

Senators:

Diane Feinstein
Local: (559) 485-7430
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3841

Barbara Boxer
Local: (559) 497-5109
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3553

For more information or to register your participation, contact Nancy Griesser via e-mail.

A New York Times op-ed: Getting healthcare reform right

From V4CF member Bob Merrill comes this, an op-ed appearing Oct. 5 in the New York Times. The piece comes from Cappy McGarr, chairman of the Texas Insurance Purchasing Alliance from 1993 to 1995:

The Senate Finance Committee has for the moment rejected the idea of creating a public health insurance plan. It’s difficult to see how Americans will be able to find good, affordable health insurance without one. But if we are to go forward without a public option, it is more important than ever to make sure that we get another part of health reform right: the exchanges, where it is envisioned that small businesses and people without employer-sponsored insurance could shop for policies of their own.

The full op-ed piece is available at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/opinion/06mcgarr.html on the New York Times website.

A big thanks to Bob Merrill for sending this along!

Schedule conflict moves next V4CF meeting to Tuesday, Oct. 13

Just a quick update: Because both of our preferred meeting venues are booked on the evening of Oct. 6, we've had to change the date of our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting to Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Time and venue remain the same: 7-8:30 p.m., in the large community room at the Fig Garden Library. See you then!

President Obama's weekly address: Making progress on global issues

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov:

Recorded while on his way back from the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, President Obama uses his Weekly Address to recap the progress made there during the intensive discussions with other world leaders. From an historic agreement to reform the global financial system, to groundbreaking commitments on reducing subsidies to fossil fuels worldwide, to unity in standing against threats to world peace -- engagement produced tangible results in several areas.



If the viewscreen above is not visible, President Obama's weekly address can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMXyHZTkJpU.

From Moveon.org: A needed moment of healthcare-reform levity

Okay, we've all been working hard in our own ways to achieve meaningful healthcare reform. Here, presented as a moment of levity, is the latest PSA from MoveOn.org.



You know they're presenting this with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Too bad those opposing healthcare reform aren't kidding.

Healthcare reform: Join us for 'sustained picketing' outside Rep. Costa's office beginning Sept. 21

While Congress has returned to work, and while right-wing disruptions of town-hall meetings have garnered fewer headlines in recent days, the fight for healthcare reform is by no means over. With the finish line getting closer, it's time to dig deep into our 'Be the Change' energy reserve for the coming push.

That push will begin with a 'sustained picketing' demonstration beginning Monday, Sept. 21, outside the Fresno office of Rep. Jim Costa. Despite hearing the voices of his constituents demanding meaningful reform, Rep. Costa remains officially 'on the fence' about President Obama's plan.

A coalition of groups – including the AFL-CIO, SEIU, AARP, the Center for New Americans and many others – plan to keep the pressure on Rep. Costa by conducting this sustained demonstration outside Rep. Costa's Fresno office. The demonstration will take place over lunch hours for the next two to three weeks, and V4CF members are encouraged to participate.

The demonstration's focus and signage will call attention to Rep. Costa's connections with large insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Signage will also encourage people to write their health care stories, as well as to make phone calls to Rep. Costa encouraging his support for meaningful healthcare reform. (Those numbers again? Local: (559) 495-1620, Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341)

Want to participate? It's easy! Beginning Monday, Sept. 21, simply show up and join in 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday outside Rep. Costa's office, 855 M Street in downtown Fresno. Signs will be provided; all you need to bring are quarters (for metered parking), sunscreen or a big hat, and your voice supporting meaningful healthcare reform.

For more information or to register your participation, contact Nancy Griesser via e-mail.

'Monopoly Mania' fundraiser for Hands On CenCal scheduled Sept. 18

Hands On Central California, which has partnered with Volunteers For Change-Fresno on a number volunteer events in 2009, will host a unique fundraising event this Friday, Sept. 18. Called 'Monopoly Mania,' this fundraiser for Hands On Central California challenges local Monopoly enthusiasts to a 'survival of the fittest' Monopoly tournament. From Hands On:

In an effort to increase the capacity of our organization and provide resources and sustainability for volunteerism in our community HandsOn Central California has designed a fun and unique fundraising event, “Monopoly Mania”.

The event challenges local Monopoly enthusiasts in a “survival of the fittest” Monopoly tournament, and features a full-service event including entertainment, food, cocktails, a silent auction, and prizes. Participants will battle to win a luxury vacation package and a cash pot prize for their favorite local nonprofit agency.

For more information about the event, visit the events page on the Hands On Central California website.

You're invited to a healthcare reform panel discussion, scheduled Thursday in Fresno

The Central Valley Health Policy Institute, affiliated with CSU Fresno, is sponsoring a healthcare-reform forum scheduled 8-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Grand Occasions, 4584 W. Jacquelyn, in Fresno. They write:

California and the nation are facing a remarkable debate on healthcare reform. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has recommended that any reform initiative seek to create a system of health care in the US that is Continuous, Affordable, Universal, Sustainable and Effective (the CAUSE principles).

But what would this look like? This forum will answer key questions including:

• Are the CAUSE principles sound and feasible?
• What are the specific health care needs and goals of the Central Valley?
• How do current options and proposals address the Valley’s health care needs?

People wishing to attend must RSVP to the Central Valley Health Policy Institute by calling (559) 228-2152 or via e-mail at thomasngo52@csufresno.edu. For more information, download the event flyer.

Time to dial: President Obama calls healthcare-reform supporters to action

Through Organizing For America, President Obama is calling on supporters of meaningful healthcare reform to take action in the coming days. In the aftermath of his speech to Congress, in which he laid out a detailed plan for realizing the vision of healthcare reform, the President is asking supporters to call on their Representatives and Senators and express their support for the plan.

From the President:

I just finished laying out my plan for health reform at a joint session of Congress. Now, I'm writing directly to you because what happens next is critical -- and I need your help.

Change this big will not happen because I ask for it. It can only come when the nation demands it. Congress knows where I stand. Now they need to hear from you.

Add your voice: Ask your representatives to support my plan for real health reform in 2009.

The heart of my plan is simple: bring stability and security to Americans who already have health insurance, guarantee affordable coverage for those who don't, and rein in the cost of health care.

Tonight, I offered a specific plan for how to make it happen. I incorporated the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to create a plan that's bold, practical, and represents the broad consensus of the American people.

We've come closer to real health reform in the last few months than we have in the last 60 years. But those who profit from the status quo -- and those who put partisan advantage above all else -- will fight us every inch of the way.

We do not seek that fight, but we will not shrink from it. The stakes are too high to let scare tactics cloud the debate, or to allow partisan bickering to block the path. Your voice, right now, is essential.

See my full plan and call on your representatives to support it: http://my.barackobama.com/SupportReform

Ours is not the first generation to understand the dire need for health reform. And I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama

Okay, V4CF: Again, it's time to smile and dial. Here's how to call the Representatives and Senators serving the Fresno area:

Representatives:

George Radanovich - District 19
Local: (559) 449-2490
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4540

Jim Costa - District 20
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

Devin Nunes – District 21
Local: (559) 323-5235
Washington D.C.: (202) 225-2523

Senators:

Diane Feinstein
Local: (559) 485-7430
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3841

Barbara Boxer
Local: (559) 497-5109
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3553

From tonight's address: President Obama's plan for healthcare reform

This summary of President Obama's plan for healthcare reform -- as discussed in his address to Congress Sept. 9 -- comes from our friends at Whitehouse.gov:

If You Have Health Insurance: More Stability and Security

• Ends discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions. Over the last three years, 12 million people were denied coverage directly or indirectly through high premiums due to a pre-existing condition. Under the President’s plan, it will be against the law for insurance companies to deny coverage for health reasons or risks.
  
  
• Limits premium discrimination based on gender and age. The President’s plan will end insurers’ practice of charging different premiums or denying coverage based on gender, and will limit premium variation based on age.
  
  
• Prevents insurance companies from dropping coverage when people are sick and need it most. The President’s plan prohibits insurance companies from rescinding coverage that has already been purchased except in cases of fraud. In most states, insurance companies can cancel a policy if any medical condition was not listed on the application – even one not related to a current illness or one the patient didn’t even know about. A recent Congressional investigation found that over five years, three large insurance companies cancelled coverage for 20,000 people, saving them from paying $300 million in medical claims - $300 million that became either an obligation for the patient’s family or bad debt for doctors and hospitals.
  
  
• Caps out-of pocket expenses so people don’t go broke when they get sick. The President’s plan will cap out-of-pocket expenses and will prohibit insurance companies from imposing annual or lifetime caps on benefit payments. A middle-class family purchasing health insurance directly from the individual insurance market today could spend up to 50 percent of household income on health care costs because there is no limit on out-of-pocket expenses.
  
  
• Eliminates extra charges for preventive care like mammograms, flu shots and diabetes tests to improve health and save money. The President’s plan ensures that all Americans have access to free preventive services under their health insurance plans. Too many Americans forgo needed preventive care, in part because of the cost of check-ups and screenings that can identify health problems early when they can be most effectively treated. For example, 24 percent of women age 40 and over have not received a mammogram in the past two years, and 38 percent of adults age 50 and over have never had a colon cancer screening.
  
  
• Protects Medicare for seniors. The President’s plan will extend new protections for Medicare beneficiaries that improve quality, coordinate care and reduce beneficiary and program costs. These protections will extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund to pay for care for future generations.
  
  
• Eliminates the "donut-hole" gap in coverage for prescription drugs. The President’s plan begins immediately to close the Medicare "donut hole" - a current gap in its drug benefit - by providing a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs for seniors who fall into it. In 2007, over 8 million seniors hit this coverage gap in the standard Medicare drug benefit. By 2019, the President’s plan will completely close the "donut hole". The average out-of-pocket spending for such beneficiaries who lack another source of insurance is $4,080.

If You Don't Have Insurance: Quality, Affordable Choices for All Americans

• Creates a new insurance marketplace – the Exchange – that allows people without insurance and small businesses to compare plans and buy insurance at competitive prices. The President’s plan allows Americans who have health insurance and like it to keep it. But for those who lose their jobs, change jobs or move, new high quality, affordable options will be available in the exchange. Beginning in 2013, the Exchange will give Americans without access to affordable insurance on the job, and small businesses one-stop shopping for insurance where they can easily compare options based on price, benefits, and quality.
  
  
• Provides new tax credits to help people buy insurance. The President’s plan will provide new tax credits on a sliding scale to individuals and families that will limit how much of their income can be spent on premiums. There will also be greater protection for cost-sharing for out-of-pocket expenses.
  
  
• Provides small businesses tax credits and affordable options for covering employees. The President’s plan will also provide small businesses with tax credits to offset costs of providing coverage for their workers. Small businesses who for too long have faced higher prices than larger businesses, will now be eligible to enter the exchange so that they have lower costs and more choices for covering their workers.
  
  
• Offers a public health insurance option to provide the uninsured and those who can’t find affordable coverage with a real choice. The President believes this option will promote competition, hold insurance companies accountable and assure affordable choices. It is completely voluntary. The President believes the public option must operate like any private insurance company – it must be self-sufficient and rely on the premiums it collects.
  
  
• Immediately offers new, low-cost coverage through a national "high risk" pool to protect people with preexisting conditions from financial ruin until the new Exchange is created. For those Americans who cannot get insurance coverage today because of a pre-existing condition, the President’s plan will immediately make available coverage without a mark-up due to their health condition. This policy will offer protection against financial ruin until a wider array of choices become available in the new exchange in 2013.

For All Americans: Reins In the Cost of Health Care for Our Families, Our Businesses, and Our Government

• Won’t add a dime to the deficit and is paid for upfront. The President’s plan will not add one dime to the deficit today or in the future and is paid for in a fiscally responsible way. It begins the process of reforming the health care system so that we can further curb health care cost growth over the long term, and invests in quality improvements, consumer protections, prevention, and premium assistance. The plan fully pays for this investment through health system savings and new revenue including a fee on insurance companies that sell very expensive plans.
  
  
• Requires additional cuts if savings are not realized. Under the plan, if the savings promised at the time of enactment don’t materialize, the President will be required to put forth additional savings to ensure that the plan does not add to the deficit.
  
  
• Implements a number of delivery system reforms that begin to rein in health care costs and align incentives for hospitals, physicians, and others to improve quality. The President’s plan includes proposals that will improve the way care is delivered to emphasize quality over quantity, including: incentives for hospitals to prevent avoidable readmissions, pilots for new "bundled" payments in Medicare, and support for new models of delivering care through medical homes and accountable care organizations that focus on a coordinated approach to care and outcomes.
  
  
• Creates an independent commission of doctors and medical experts to identify waste, fraud and abuse in the health care system. The President’s plan will create an independent Commission, made up of doctors and medical experts, to make recommendations to Congress each year on how to promote greater efficiency and higher quality in Medicare. The Commission will not be authorized to propose or implement Medicare changes that ration care or affect benefits, eligibility or beneficiary access to care. It will ensure that your tax dollars go directly to caring for seniors.
  
  
• Orders immediate medical malpractice reform projects that could help doctors focus on putting their patients first, not on practicing defensive medicine. The President’s plan instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to move forward on awarding medical malpractice demonstration grants to states funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality as soon as possible.
  
  
• Requires large employers to cover their employees and individuals who can afford it to buy insurance so everyone shares in the responsibility of reform. Under the President’s plan, large businesses – those with more than 50 workers – will be required to offer their workers coverage or pay a fee to help cover the cost of making coverage affordable in the exchange. This will ensure that workers in firms not offering coverage will have affordable coverage options for themselves and their families. Individuals who can afford it will have a responsibility to purchase coverage – but there will be a "hardship exemption" for those who cannot.
  

It's not single-payer, but it seems like there's a lot here to like. Your thoughts? Please leave them in 'Comments' below.

President Obama: A message of hope and responsibility for today's students

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov, just in case your kids missed it:

President Obama's message to America's students today rested on two twin pillars of his vision: there is great hope and great potential in America; but the fulfillment of that hope is dependent on hard work and taking personal responsibility.

There seemed to be a lot of hunger for this message, and thanks to all of the teachers, school administrators, parents and students who participated.



The President's remarks are available on Whitehouse.gov. If the viewscreen aboveis not visible, President Obama's speech is also available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZ6GrzWkw0.

Volunteer opportunities, reform fight the topics of our next meeting, scheduled Tuesday

Upcoming volunteer activities and our continuing battle for meaningful healthcare reform will be the topics of our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the large community room at the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

At the meeting, we'll recap some of the activities we undertook in August, including the Rally for Healthcare Reform last week. We'll also go into detail about some upcoming volunteer activities that help our communities while bolstering our mission, including support for local food banks, working with the Southwest Policing District, and volunteer needs for the upcoming 'Santa's Village' event, scheduled in December.

We've had a very busy August, indeed. But with Congress returning to Washington D.C. and our communities still in need of volunteers, our work must continue. We hope to see you Tuesday evening!

Ask your company for time to help with emergency food distributions

The Community Food Bank is still seeking volunteers to assist with emergency drought-relief food distributions in San Joaquin Valley. Each distribution requires 150-200 volunteers, but with the number of volunteers coming up short, the Food Bank has had to turn away a lot of people seeking this assistance, even though there is plenty of food to distribute.

With help needed so urgently, HandsOn Central California is reaching out to valley businesses in September and October, asking those businesses to allow employees time away from work so they can help with the distributions. Businesses already participating in this project include D&H Homes, Pelco and Verizon.

Want to get involved? Consider approaching your work supervisor about having your team or company participate in the distributions. With many companies eager to build goodwill through community involvement, corporate participation in a food distribution is a simple and low-cost way to build that goodwill.

For more information, including information for employers and supervisors about the project, contact Wendy Negri at (559) 299-5052. Distribution shifts are scheduled 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 1-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, in Firebaugh, Huron, Mendota, San Joaquin, and Selma.

'Congressional Send-Off' healthcare rally draws nearly 200 energetic supporters

Nearly 200 energetic and vocal supporters of meaningful healthcare reform rejected the politics of fear and made their voices heard at a very successful 'Congressional Send-Off Rally for Healthcare Reform,' held Sept. 1 at the Amtrak Station in downtown Fresno.



In the midst of the healthcare-reform battle, Volunteers For Change-Fresno banded together with Organizing For America, Health-Access.org and a number of other groups, with the purpose of giving our Congressional representatives -- especially Rep. Jim Costa and Sen. Diane Feinstein -- a powerful reminder that we support meaningful healthcare reform with a strong public option.


Participants also filled two suitcases with stories about how the healthcare crisis has hurt them or their families, suitcases to be delivered to the offices of Rep. Costa and Sen. Feinstein.


As expected, a small crowd of approximately 15 Tea Partiers also showed up, conducting a small and mostly quiet counter-rally near ours. But despite a number of rude interruptions by the Tea Partiers -- those interruptions coming primarily from a solitary TPer employing a megaphone specifically to disrupt the pro-reform rally -- their voices and taunts were no match for the resolve of the participating supporters of meaningful reform.


Miss it? View our video of the rally above. If the video viewscreen is not visible, our video is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5bDbik51tU.

A hearty "thank you" to all who participated! Let's win this fight!

We get press: Local television covers the rally

Yesterday's Healthcare Reform rally garnered its share of television coverage. First, here's KSEE-24's segment on the rally. For their full report, visit the KSEE-24 website.



Next, here's how Fresno's ABC-30 News covered the rally. For their full report, visit the healthcare reform rally story on the ABC-30 website.