Greetings,

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO and the New Jersey Partnership for Working Families (NJP4WF) brought our message to the State House that "health care reform can't wait" during a press conference on Thursday, April 16, 2009, featuring Congressman Frank Pallone (D-06); Charles Wowkanech, President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO; and Evelyn Rodriguez, a casino worker who spoke to the urgency of reforming health care. Although critics say we have to wait to fix health care, reform is a vital component to the economic recovery.

This press conference is one of many events occurring throughout the state in support of the Health Care for America Now (HCAN) national campaign.

Evelyn Rodriguez has worked for Bally's Casino for the past 13 years. As a wife and mother of two, she can no longer afford health care because her premium costs virtually tripled two years ago from $50 to $130 per week. "Having health care benefits meant that I could take care of my family," said Rodriguez. "I am now faced with a decision no one should have to make between my family's health and financial security. Today, millions of workers are in my exact same situation."

"The United States of America has the best health care delivery system in the world," says Charles Wowkanech, President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO. "Unfortunately, the majority of working families and retirees in this state and across our great nation can no longer afford it due to skyrocketing costs."

"For far too long, Washington has ignored the many problems that plague our health care system in America; problems that have reached a level of crisis," said Congressman Pallone. "Quality care should be available and affordable to all."

Workers like Evelyn Rodriguez have been sharing their stories about the urgency of health care reform and it is these workers that we need to fight for.

We thank everyone that was able to attend the press conference and look forward to spreading the message that we need quality affordable health care for all, now!

CLICK HERE for photos of the event

Want to find out more?

The HCAN campaign is a national grassroots coalition that consists of over 800 national and state organizations working together to achieve quality affordable health care for all. The NJP4WF is a state partner organization of HCAN and consists of over 60 labor, community, religious, and minority groups allied to make sure New Jersey's working families are ensured quality affordable health care. More information on both of these groups can be found on the web: www.healthcareforamericanow.org and www.njp4wf.org.

Sincerely,

Charles Wowkanech, President
Laurel Brennan, Secretary-Treasurer