Union members push hard for health care reform

Union members - not Hollywood stars - are lobbying hardest for health care reform.

The Worchester [Massachusetts] Telegram reports: "Two members of the state's congressional delegation appealed to local union members this morning to unite behind President Barack Obama's efforts to reform health care. They said if health care reform does not happen now, it could be years before it comes up for discussion again."

"In a related matter, Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray reiterated the Patrick administration's support of a bill that would give the governor the ability to appoint someone to fill the late U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's seat until a permanent replacement is elected Jan. 19. With the Congress and the Senate set to return to business this week, Mr. Murray said Massachusetts needs to have full representation in Washington for the health care debate in the coming weeks. Organized labor is among those groups mounting an intensive lobbying effort in support of it" (Kotsopoulos, 9/7).

Tampa Bay Newspapers reports "the Florida AFL-CIO is keeping the pressure on to pass health care reform legislation. Union spokesperson Rich Templin said the need is clear, citing a recent study that reported two out of five Floridians were uninsured in 2007-2008 - nearly 5.8 million people. ... He said the AFL-CIO won't back down until working Americans have a choice of coverage similar to Medicare" (Presson, 9/7).

Politico reports: "Few celebrity activists who blanketed the country during Barack Obama's campaign last year have jumped into the fray to champion new health care proposals. Capitol Hill has seen a stream of entertainment figures lobbying for various health-related causes, but they have stopped short of pressing the nitty-gritty of the details of reform."

"The figures who have waded into the debate, including Edie Falco of Showtime's 'Nurse Jackie' and Fran Drescher of 'The Nanny,' have done so at the risk of offending fans opposed to reform proposals. On the other side of the partisan divide, Chuck Norris has weighed in, warning of Obamacare, to great outcry and ridicule on the left. It may seem absurd to even suggest a role for celebrities in such an emotional and personal debate in the first place" (Johnson, 9/8).