January 19, 2007

To All U.S. Senators and Representatives:

RE: Change to Win Principles for Health Care Reform

Change to Win, which represents seven unions with six million members, urges you to take immediate action to make health care more affordable for all Americans.

Skyrocketing costs are the most pressing threat to American families, our communities, and the ability for U.S. businesses to compete in the 21^st century. The numbers say it all: 47 million Americans, the majority of them working, lack any insurance at all. Workers’ out-of-pocket medical expenses shot up 93 percent over the last five years. Health care costs account for a whopping 16 percent of the GDP each year. That’s $2 trillion that consumers, providers, government and employers spend annually and yet we are not seeing the pay-off. In fact, the health care crisis is only getting worse.

We must fix what’s broken now. Our principles for creating an American health care system built on our nation’s values are enclosed. We will evaluate any legislation on the issue based on these guidelines.

Without a comprehensive solution, health care costs will continue to eat up a larger and larger share of our state and federal budgets, forcing taxpayers – the same working Americans who are struggling to afford health coverage – to pick up the tab. American companies will become even further handicapped by foreign competition in the global economy.

Our members are ready to work with our employers and leaders from both parties to fix our broken system and help create an America in which every man, woman and child has access to the quality, affordable health care they need.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Anna Burger
Chair, Change to Win