As we gear up for the Rally for Michigan's Health in the Capitol on Wednesday morning, it's interesting to take a look at the tactics other states are taking to get support for the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion, and make sure people are enrolled.
In Florida and Texas, there is less support than in Michigan, and they are pulling out all the stops to pass Medicaid expansion to insure their citizens. Luckily for Michigan, our governor is in favor of expansion, whereas in other states hostile governors are making passage more difficult.
So what's the White House to do? They are recruiting local officials - the people closest to those who would be affected by the expansion - to lead the way in promoting the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion. Local officials know community concerns and the issues immediately affecting those they represent - these are the men and women who can express those concerns to other politicians.
Libraries are also becoming an outreach point for health insurance. Libraries are easily accessible to most people, as well as a location people turn to for information about the government. Setting them up as a hub for outreach activities and complete information about insurance will open the exchanges to more people by eliminating the information barrier.
Medicaid expansion will lead to a healthier US population - playing politics with our health is unfair and harmful.
To learn more about this tactic, read the New York Times article here.
Please join us at the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday, July 3 at 9am! Urge the Senate to vote on Medicaid expansion.
Senator Wendy Davis is nearing the end of a 13 hour filibuster to block Senate Bill 5 in Texas. She has been speaking since 11:18am CDT, without eating, drinking, sitting, leaning on the podium, or going to the bathroom. She has only stopped speaking to take questions from other senators.
Why is SB5 this important? It is a sweeping abortion bill that Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards states, “If this passes, abortion would be virtually banned in the state of
Texas, and many women could be forced to resort to dangerous and unsafe
measures.” (Source)
The bill's regulations and restrictions would most likely wind up closing all but 5 clinics in the state of Texas.
In a state so large, forcing women to travel to access legal procedures will decrease their ability to do so, especially with waiting periods in effect. Travel cost, time off work, and finding child care amplify the impact of the new regulations on women.
Additionally, the bill refers to many "scientific" findings that are not backed by medical professionals.
Senator Davis is reading analysis of the bill, the stories of women, and updated, medically approved science. You can watch a live stream of it here and join the thousands of people filling the capitol wearing orange.
Add your story to those Senator Davis is telling here, and help her to maintain the floor.
Follow on Twitter: Trending now #sb5 #txlege #standwithwendy
Update (6/26/13 1:50am CDT): A vote occurred in the Senate after the filibuster was stopped on technicalities. However, the vote occurred after midnight, and is therefore not valid. However, because of how unclear things are, and an issue with the time stamp on the vote having been changed, the Senate has been called to a caucus behind closed doors. Cecile Richards, still at the capitol, just addressed the crowds telling them not to leave yet. We are still waiting.
Update (6/26/13 2:22am CDT): After the caucus, Senator Davis texted: "The Lieutenant Governor has agreed that SB-5 is dead." The official vote was recorded at 12:03. As Cecile Richards reminds us though, the fight isn't over, and has to continue.
