Dozens of local United Steelworkers (USW) members and retirees are sitting in the Aliquippa office of Pennsylvania Rep. Jason Altmire today to urge the Congressman to change his vote for health insurance reform.
The working men and women and retirees represent the voters in Altmire's district and across the nation who desperately want and need health insurance reform to pass so that our economy can get back in track. Reform will cut costs, save jobs, help our seniors and provide coverage for tens of millions of uninsured - many of them hard-working folks who despite having jobs cannot afford insurance.
"We busted our humps working for Jason Altmire and many other politicians who time and time again promise us that they'll work for us and working families across America. We are tired of the broken promises. We helped Congressman Altmire win this seat because he vowed he would vote for health insurance reform. We're here today urging him to keep that promise," said Rick Galiano, president of USW Local 9305 in Beaver Falls, Pa.
"Our communities, our members and our retirees need real health insurance reform. We all know no bill is perfect but this is a historic first step that we must take. Too many people are suffering, even dying because they don't have health insurance," said Mike Sabat, also of USW Local 9305. "We stood up for Jason Altmire when he needed us most. Now we're sitting in until he stands up for us."
Marion Prasjner, president of the Aliquippa chapter of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, or SOAR, said seniors have endured a long, confusing, often ugly debate about health reform but ultimately understand now is the time for change.
"We talk to retirees every day. We live in this community. We're the church leaders, the volunteers, the voters. We know seniors want health insurance reform that helps them get medicine without sacrificing food or other needs. We want Congressman Altmire to truly represent his district and vote for reform."