NB Dems Praise Murphy On Health Care Vote; Push for Public Option

The New Britain Democratic Town adopted a resolution at its delegate selection meeting this week praising Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5) for his affirmative vote on health care reform last Sunday and calling upon the Connecticut delegation to continue a push for a public option on health insurance:

To: Cong Murphy and the CT delegation
New Britain Democratic Town Committee Public Option Resolution

WHEREAS, the health care system of the United States is in crisis, and too many CT citizens are denied access to adequate and affordable health care while the costs of private coverage continue to rise. This results in inadequate access to care, rampant preventable illness, and premature death. Further; this scourge, which is responsible for 62 percent of personal bankruptcies and has greatly exacerbated the financial crisis, has led our nation to the edge of an economic abyss; and

WHEREAS, New Britain Democrats commend President Obama, Cong. Murphy and the Democratic Caucus for laying the foundation for universal health care with passage of the health reform act on March 21, 2010.
WHEREAS, public polls show that an overwhelming majority of Americans want health care reform to offer the choice of a robust public option similar to the Tricare system that is offered to our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. In the words of President Obama, “keep the insurance companies honest,” while co-ops or so-called “triggers” are ill equipped measures intended to pacify the progressive movement. They are wholly insufficient, and will not adequately address the health care crisis. They will not create significant competition, and will deepen the already cavernous pockets of the medical insurance industry; and

WHEREAS, health insurance lobbyists, and their Republican allies have organized and funded groups of extremists to disrupt efforts on the part of the Democratic majority and administration to reasonably discuss the issue with the American people. They have served as obstructionists, and are unwilling to compromise in any way to pass meaningful health care reform;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the New Britain Democratic Town Committee, urge Cong. Murphy and the CT delegation to continue to work for healthcare reform that contains a robust public option, and encourages Cong. Murphy to use any available parliamentary means to serve the American people’s interest;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we shall send a copy of this resolution to all Democratic members of Congress who represent our state.
March 25, 2010
New Britain Democratic Town Committee www.newbritaindemocrat.net

25 March 2010 Delegate Meeting Today

DTC Resolution Thanks Murphy for Health Care Reform (HCR); Calls for Public Option

The Democratic Town Committee is expected to consider a resolution on Health Care Reform at its meeting this week thanking U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy for supporting the newly enacted federal legislation as a “first step” toward a public option and universal health care.

The resolution will be taken up on Thursday, March 25th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall as city Democrats endorse slates of delegates to attend conventions in May.

The resolution will commend Rep. Murphy and his Democratic colleagues for voting for the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” signed into law Tuesday by President Obama. It will urge lawmakers to use the new law as “a first step toward a robust public option that will bring competition to the health insurance marketplace, further contain costs and pave the way for health care for all.”

Delegate Meeting

In endorsing slates, New Britain Democrats will send 35 delegates to the May 21-22 state convention where candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate and all the state constitutional offices will be endorsed. Slates will also form to attend conventions for Cong. Murphy of the 5th Congressional District, the Judge of Probate now held by Walter Clebowicz, the 6th State Senate District represented by Don DeFronzo and three state representative districts, the 22nd represented by Betty Boukus and the 24th represented by Tim O’Brien.

May's Convention Schedule
Congressional Convention (U.S. House) – May 10th
Judge of Probate - May 11
State Convention - May 21-22
State Senate Convention – May 24
State House of Representatives Conventions (Multi-Town Districts) – May 25th

On The Calendar Next Week

Candidates

Chris Murphy
Monday March 29th 5-7 pm: Chris Murphy for Congress' reception at the home of Terry and Frank Gerratana, 674 Lincoln Street, New Britain. Suggested contribution $50. All contributions will be gratefully accepted. RSVP to jessica@murphyforcongress.org
Telephone: 860-223-5532. www.murphyforcongress.org

Dan Malloy
Tuesday, March 30th 5-7 pm: Fundraising reception for Dan Malloy for Governor at Whinstone Tavern at Stanley Golf Course, 245 Hartford Road, New Britain. Suggested contributions of $100 (friend) or $50 (supporter) will be appreciated. RSVP to 203-588-1345 or kate@danmalloy.com

Neighborhoods

The North-Oak NRZ will hold its March meeting on Monday, March 29th at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Ann Pilla, the executive director of Trinity On Main performing arts center. The meeting will he held at HRA's

The newly-formed New Britain Community Organization (NBCO), focusing on neighborhood and quality of life issues throughout the city, will hold an organizing and planning meeting on Wednesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at The Regency Building Community Room, 55 Spring Street.

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But here's the thing. Community hasn't succeeded very often in American politics, but when it has, it's tended to work better than advertised. Social Security and Medicare (universal coverage for senior citizens) are very popular. Once changes like these are made, well, it takes a while, but most people tend to like them. And maybe that's the real reason Republicans are so unhinged right now.

-Michael Tomasky The Guardian March 22
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/22/health-care-vote-us-obama