Maryland House member Roger Manno discusses this moment in health care reform on Pacifica Radio's "Dialogue with Garland Nixon" (contains excerpts of intervew). Recorded in August, 2009 during the "Summer of Health Care". Watch video at YouTube.

Shailagh Murray and Lori Montgomery, The Washington Post, Friday, October 2, 2009: "The long quest to reform the nation's health-care system entered uncharted legislative territory early Friday when a key Senate panel wrapped up work on its bill and House and Senate leaders prepared for historic floor debates.

Rich Robinson, Communications Director, Western Washtenaw Democrats, Huffington Post: "The time has come for Congress to step up to the plate over health care reform. President Obama's speech to the joint session put forth his plan--an address 'presented as a societal imperative and a test of the nation's character' according to one TV commentator. The stakes are that high.

The Commonwealth Fund: "The rapid rise in health insurance premiums has severely strained U.S. families and employers in recent years. This analysis of federal data finds that if premiums for employer-sponsored insurance grow in each state at the projected national rate of increase, then the average premium for family coverage would rise from $12,298 (the 2008 average) to $23,842 by 2020—a 94 percent increase.

The Commomwealth Fund: "Small business owners and employees are among those who stand to benefit the most from provisions in some of the current health reform proposals under consideration by Congress, according to this Commonwealth Fund study." [Continued]

OFA Health Care Phone Banks This Week
Organizing for America needs your help this week 9/29, 9/30, 10/1, phone banking for health care. Can you spend a few hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday?

Now more than ever, we need to mobilize and take action to help achieve health insurance reform. Every little bit that you can do helps. We wouldn't be e-mailing you if it wasn't absolutely essential that we get this done.

We'll meet at Democratic National Headquarters 430 S Capitol St SE (short walk from Capitol South Metro) Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5-9 p.m. Any time you can contribute is appreciated. To sign up/get more info. please click here: Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday

Del. Roger Manno (D-19) filed HB 1188, a bill to help current healthcare professionals and professionals in training afford their education in return for their commitment to work for a public not for profit hospital in Maryland. This bill is based in part on suggestions made by HCM's own Alfred Jordan! Please click here for more details.

Low pay fuels physician shortage
By SHANTEE WOODARDS, Staff Writer HometownAnnapolis.com Published February 19, 2009

The state's physician shortage will get worse if lawmakers don't adopt changes that would make Maryland more attractive to doctors, experts said yesterday.

Hundreds of patients, doctors and business leaders turned out for a rally in Annapolis to decry a system that has made Maryland's doctors among the lowest paid in the country.

from mdsinglepayer.org

The *Maryland Health Security Act of 2009* is now available in DRAFT form for public reading and comment. Look through and please give your feedback to conversationcoalition@gmail.com

Join us at one of the following discussion groups. All are welcome! Come and tell us about your vision of health security in the state of Maryland.