PUBLIC OPTION RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the health care system of the United States is in crisis, with almost fifty million Americans lacking any health insurance, tens of millions more lacking adequate coverage, and millions more who do have private coverage paying increasingly unaffordable premiums, resulting in inadequate access to care and premature death, illness, or financial ruin for millions of Americans; and

WHEREAS: Our National Democratic Platform of 2008: Renewing America's Promise, states: "We believe that covering all is not just a moral imperative, but is necessary to making our health system workable and affordable... Families and individuals should have the option of keping the coverage they have or choosing from a wide array of health insurance plans, including many private health insurance options and a public plan;"

WHEREAS, Republicans and their allies in the health insurance industry 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, and have demonstrated an utter unwillingness to compromise in any way to pass meaningful health care reform;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Washington State 47th Legislative District Democrats urge Democratic members of Congress to vote for only such healthcare reform proposals as contain a robust public option at all stages of the legislative process including conference and reconciliation, and encourages Democratic legislators to use any available parliamentary means to pass such reform;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Washington State 47th Legislative District Democrats shall send a copy of this resolution to all Democratic members of Congress who represent any of our members.