WashingtonCAN

Victories in the 2006 Legislative Session

Washington CAN! worked with the state legislature to pass several key pieces of legislation that have expanded health care access for Washington residents, including increasing enrollment and cutting waiting lists for Basic Health and the Children’s Health Program. Through our Secure Health Care Campaign, Washington CAN! is working toward quality, affordable health care for all. Here are highlights of our victories.

Secure Health Care Campaign Achievements:

• Creating the Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Cost and Access. This Commission, chaired by Governor Gregoire, will develop a five year plan to achieve quality, affordable health care for all in Washington.
• Building the Washington Small Business for Secure Health Care Coalition, which now includes over 300 small businesses across the state.
• Creating the Small Employer Health Insurance Partnership, which will help small businesses insure their workers
• Increasing enrollment in the state’s Basic Health program by 6,500 slots.
• Cutting the waiting list for the Children’s Health Program for immigrant children by 14,000 children.

Local Victories:

• Improving access to financial assistance for low-income patients at Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia. Through this work, we have helped develop a vibrant new chapter of community activists in Thurston County.
• Initiating a partnership with Stevens Hospital to improve language access for immigrant communities. This effort has helped engage a multiracial group of concerned and committed residents in Snohomish County.

Federal Accomplishments

• Educating the public about the problems with Medicare Part D and built support for how to fix the Part D Disaster.
• Stopping cuts to the federal Estate Tax. Cuts to this tax would have jeopardized critical funding for social programs.

Take Action

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In the News

Wal-Mart critics cite health insurance - The Seattle P.I

Health-care fix will require cooperation, Wal-Mart chief says - The Seattle Times

House passes spending plan - The Olympian

Science will force us to improve health care coverage - The Seattle P.I

No spending spree, House Democrats say – The Seattle Times

House bill would audit results when state allows tax breaks - The New Tribune

State Senate passes new state budget, tax cuts – The Seattle Times

Small business owners back bill that helps cover insurance costs - The Olympian

Democrats unveil budget plan - The Olympian

Democrats list plans for state surplus - The Herald

Wal-Mart benefits still at issue – The Seattle Times

Safeway urges quick action on employee health benefits – The Seattle Times

Wal-Mart bill pits Chopp against party - The Seattle P.I

Union’s health care bill caught in crossfire - The New Tribune

Good news for low-income seniors, disabled citizens - The Olympian

Catching the health-reform bug – The Seattle Times

Williams initiates letter campaign to push Wal-Mart bill – The Olympian

State’s health-insurance watchdog needs a new set of teeth – The Seattle Times

Best intentions miss health care solutions - The Seattle P.I

House approves state subsidies for small-business health program - The Seattle P.I

Legislature: Health insurance sparks debate - The Columbian

State subsidy to Wal-Mart employees out at $12 million – The Seattle Times

Prescription co-pays cause chaos among state’s poor - Real Change

Wal-Mart, pay your fair share - The Seattle P.I

Medicare change leaves gap - The Olympian

More than 3,100 Wal-Mart workers got state health aid – The Seattle Times

Medicare drug program falters at outset - The Seattle P.I

Trailing in "race" with Wal-Mart - The Seattle Times

Local nurse testifies at 'Wal-Mart bill' hearing – The Yakima Herald Republic

Wal-Mart criticizes minimum health care payments – The Seattle P.I

Health care bill attracts big push – The Olympian

Report: Jobs for families lacking - The Olympian

Health Insurers’ Rising Reserves Draw Scrutiny – The Seattle P.I.

Most Jobs in County Don’t Pay ‘Living Wage’ – The Seattle P.I.

Sorting Out Medicare Confusion – The Seattle Times

State Legislators get two secret reports – The Seattle Times

Activists Take Poverty Agenda to the Streets – The Olympian

Health Advocates Outline Priorities – The Olympian

“State Legislators get two secret reports” - The Seattle Times

“Bills press companies for benefits” - The Olympian