On January 16, HCFA-WA took to the Capitol steps in support of single payer healthcare. Senator David Frockt introduced our bill, SB5701, to the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee, and many people offered testimony in support of a single payer system. Attendees who signed in for the hearing were 59 pro, 4 against.
We scheduled 40 meetings with legislators, received legislative endorsements and commitments of continued support from members, filled an entire hearing room, and encouraged our supporters to continue to the fight for single-payer. We once again proved to the legislature and Washington state that we are in it to win it.
Some pictures from the day:
HCFA-WA board members signing people in
L-R: Central Washington field director Carmen Mendez, Communications lead Sydnie Jones, program director Bevin McLeod, and Eastern Washington field director Jessa Lewis repping our new scarves.
We packed the hearing room to capacity, with overflow at both ends of the Cherberg building.
Jeff Johnson from the Washington State Labor Council speaks to our ralliers on the capitol steps. The Washington State Labor Council has endorsed HCFA-WA.
Supporters were at the rally for our 8 am start time - their commitment reflects how important this issue is.
HCFA-WA president Marcia Stedman speaking to our supporters on the capitol steps.
Mohamed Sheikh Hassan speaking to our supporters on the capitol steps.
Summer Stinson speaking to our supporters on the capitol steps.
Bevin McLeod and Carmen Mendez: Everybody In, Nobody Out on the capitol steps!
Our new umbrellas, holding down the fort.
Our supporters on the capitol steps.
L-R: Ahmed Abdi, Bevin McLeod, Marcia Stedman, and Mohamed Sheik Hassan in our new scarves.