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Mark's blog

Don’t tax health plans - USA TODAY Editorial by AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee

Middle-class workers shouldn’t have to pay for the uninsured.
By Gerald W. McEntee

Taxing high-cost insurance plans to fund health care reform is a bad idea. In fact, it could threaten the medical insurance plans of middle-class workers who obtain coverage from their employers. For many of them, especially those in states with high medical costs, there is nothing "gold-plated" about their health coverage.

 

In the end, while claiming to target gold-plated or Cadillac plans, this tax-raising scheme essentially is asking the middle class to pay for the health care for those who are currently uninsured. In an era of rising wealth inequality and stagnant middle-class wages, this tax would make health care less affordable for working families and ultimately inhibit economic growth while giving the wealthy a virtual free ride.



AFSCME Members Rally for Quality Care and Respect During First Day of Contract Negotiations

(Reported by:Jordan Vandenberge From www.KOMU.com)

JEFFERSON CITY - One union believes safety and respect will build a better Missouri. The rotunda echoed the demands of hundreds of union members urging state legislators to take action on Tuesday.

 

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal employees pleaded and negotiated new contracts.The 8,000 member union claims a lack of resources and dangerously low staffing levels triggers lower levels of patient car across the state.
 


The organization says an increase in state funding will assist an over worked and under appreciated workforce. "Once you've worked so much overtime, you are exhausted and not as awake and coherent as you should be...which is bad for us and our clients," said rehab specialist Michelle Sanders.
 
"We have to be strong and alert. We want to do it, but how can you do it if you don't have the staff?" said veteran home caregiver Delores Scales.
 
Scales later said some state facilities operate with a mere skeleton crew because of the lack of state funding.The state won't finalize the results of today's negotiations for a few weeks, but union members remain hopeful.

Read More Coverage:

Nixon, AFSCME, begin contract negotiations - KWMU

AFSCME members rally over contract talks - Fulton Sun

Union workers rally for better working conditions - KRCG



Doctors Support the Public Option

September 17th, 2009

Doctor survey

The New England Journal of Medicine just released a survey of more than 2,100 physicians that shows overwhelming support for including a public insurance option in health care reform. A public health insurance option would help lower costs, improve quality, cover more and stop insurance company abuses.

When polled, “nearly three-quarters of physicians supported some form of a public option, either alone or in combination with private insurance options,” says Dr. Salomeh Keyhani, an internist and researcher who conducted the survey with Dr. Alex Federman.

Unfortunately, the Senate Finance Committee is considering a bill that ignores these doctors’ advice. It does not come close to meeting the needs of America’s working families in part because it lacks a public option. Wendell Potter, a former CIGNA executive, calls the Finance Committee bill an “absolute gift” to the insurance industry. That’s unacceptable.

The bill being considered in the Finance Committee must be fixed. America can do better and Congress must do better. Reforming health care is too important to do half way.

 

 



We Were There

September 11th, 2009

In memory of the nearly 3,000 people lost on September 11, 2001, including some 600 union members and nine of our AFSCME sisters and brothers: Yvette Anderson, Florence Cohen, Harry Goody, Marian Hrycak, Dorothy Temple, Chet Louie, Rev. Mychal Judge, Ricardo Quinn and Carlos Lillo.

In Memorium 9-11-2001We Were There.

We are the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, health care providers, social and emergency workers, 911 operators, highway crews and others who responded on September 11th.

We Will Always Be There.

Whether it’s making our communities safe or protecting our children, we are Americans dedicated to doing our jobs and keeping our country strong.

Now more than ever —

We Are In the Public Service.

We Are AFSCME.

 



Bargaining begins for the 1st contract in 5 years - Show Up and Stand Up with AFSCME Members Sept. 22nd at Noon

September 7th, 2009

It’s time our jobs had the respect, safety & security we deserve. Let’s make that clear to the State starting day one as we bargain for a better future. Come to Jefferson City on the first day of negotiations to show the State, Missouri has JOBS WORTH FIGHTING FOR & we’re ready to fight for them.

Rally 9-22 Flyer



A Message for Labor Day

From the Greenline: The AFSCME Blog

September 4th, 2009

AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee

On Labor Day 2009, we honor the tremendous contributions and sacrifices of workers who built this great nation.  We must never forget that workers organized, marched, went on strike, and even gave their lives in the struggles that resulted in the 40-hour workweek, safe working conditions, secure retirement benefits and the right to a voice on the job.  Workers are the bedrock of this economy and we have been at the heart of every movement for social justice and civil rights in our country.

This is the first Labor Day in decades that we celebrate without the voice and leadership of our beloved friend Sen. Ted Kennedy.  On every issue that we care about, Senator Kennedy was at the forefront.  From civil rights to health care, from education to national security, right to the end, Ted was our strongest advocate.  On this Labor Day, we mourn the passing of a giant — the Lion of the Senate.



First Day of Bargaining Set For September 22nd!

 

September 6th, 2009

The first day of bargaining for state employees represented by AFSCME has been set for September 22nd. The AFSCME bargaining team, comprised of members from all across the state, have developed 10 priorities for creating safe, high quality, and effective delivery of services.

You can view a printable summary of the AFSCME Top 10 Proposals by clicking here. 

 



Join AFSCME's Healthcare for All Campaign

We can’t fix the economy of America without fixing the health care system.”
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Fixing the economy means fixing health care. Our current health care system is broken and taking a huge toll on the economy. According to a report released by the Department of Health and Human Services in March, U.S. health care spending doubled between 1996 and 2006. And premiums are through the roof.

As AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee has said: “The cost of health care coverage has skyrocketed. It threatens the economic security of working families, it strains state and federal budgets and it reduces the competitiveness of American businesses. We need an American solution in which all of us – individuals, employers and government – share responsibility for guaranteeing quality, affordable health care we can all count on.”

Fixing the economy means fixing health care. We can’t afford to be at the mercy of the insurance industry anymore. We need quality, affordable health care for all that protects good health benefits, brings down skyrocketing costs and provides comprehensive coverage options to insured and uninsured families – including the choice of a quality public health insurance plan.