For Immediate Release: November 9, 2000

Ballot Question 9 on Universal Health Care in Stanley Rosenberg's State Senatorial District was approved by the voters by 69-31 percent in favor.

This overwhelming support is very encouraging to the members of the coalition that succeeded in putting this question on the ballot, according to Mary Siano and Judy Atkins of Greenfield, George Markham of Northampton, and Dean Robinson of Amherst who all worked on the question.

The question not only asks if voters support Universal Health Care, but also outlines a method to pay for health care, and upholds patients and doctors authority over health care decisions.

The coalition was made up of members of the Western Ma. Labor Party, the Franklin Hampshire Health Care Coalition, and students and faculty at Umass. Senior Action Councils also supported the question and helped with the work.

This identical question also succeeded in the 4th Norfolk District and the 2nd Suffolk by 60-40 percent. In fact whenever and wherever this question has appeared on the ballot it has passed by a large vote in favor.

Although the question is non-binding it does instruct the State Senator to support the question as legislation. According to Judy Atkins, that means that we will want to set up a meeting with Stanley Rosenberg to gain his endorsement for the Massachusetts Health Care Trust legislation. This bill which has gained the support and endorsement of over a third of the House and Senate is the best vehicle for achieving a single payer, universal health care system for Massachusetts.

It is important to understand very clearly how this system would be paid for. There are two studies commissioned by the legislature that show that a single payer system would save enough money by eliminating red tape caused by insurance companies and HMO's and duplication of public services to pay for health care for all residents of Massachusett.

For more information: Mary Siano, 773 3485; Judy Atkins 773 3584; George Markham 545 0345.