A singlepayer plan for NYS might just drive what we need for our nation. Singlepayer health care makes so much sense. I researched the funding angles as a law student; my findings surprised me then (probably would not today): the existing government spending and tax expenditures covers the costs. Clearly what we know as Obamacare stands forth as a compromise – one undeserving of the attacks from opponents who probably cringe at any mention, let alone prospect of singlepayer. For one I always viewed the Affordable Care Act as but a step towards singlepayer, knowing politics rather than the (dollar) numbers, impeded a sound national health care plan. All the more we must welcome state initiatives that induce new momentum to drive our nation towards where it needs to be. That explains in part the support of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) for a single payer health plan and the December 16 testimony by ATU Local No. 1179 President/ Business Agent John Lyons endorsingA.5389-A/S.2078-A, known as “The New York Health Bill.” The landmark, legislation introduced by Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried and Senator Bill Perkins, represents what John called, “a crucial step towards a national single payer health care system and a more rational – and healthy – plan to ensure all New Yorkers receive adequate heath care.” As Chair of the ATU NYS Legislative Conference Board, I lead of coalition of public transit ATU locals across New York State and with a particular presence Brooklyn Queens and Staten Island, John described how ATU members interact with members of the public including many with inadequate coverage. Hisown local ATU 1179 represents bus operators, mechanics and supervisors who work from the Far Rockaway and JFK Depots of the MTA Bus division (former Green Bus lines). ATU 1056 members – bus operators and mechanics – work for MTA New York City Transits Queens bus division. ATU 1181 represents the paratransit drivers of MTAs access-a-ride) and about 200 MTA Bus division drivers and mechanics of buses that operate along the routes of the former private Command Bus line in Brooklyn (and the school bus drivers and matrons). ATU 726 represents bus operators and mechanics who work for MTA New York City Transits Staten Island bus division. Additional ATU locals – 282 (Rochester), 580 (Syracuse), 582 (Rome), 923 (Amsterdam), 1145 (Binghamton), 1321 (Albany & Troy), 1342 (Buffalo), 1592 (Binghamton) and 1625 (Buffalo) – represent public transit workers servicing communities across New York State.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:44:49 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015