Health care reform advocates spending day reading bill on Capitol steps
Published: October 14, 2009
Patriot News
By Chris A. Courogen
Jennifer Strayer, of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, takes a turn on the
state Capitol
steps reading HR 3200, a health care reform bill currently under
consideration in the House
of Representatives. HR 3200 includes a public
option supporters claim will help make health
insurance more affordable.
Photo: Chris A. Courogen
Supporters of a House of Representatives health care reform bill that includes a public option spent the day Wednesday on the state Capitol steps reading HR 3200. The bill, which has passed muster in several committees in the House of Representatives, is being billed by supporters as a better option that the Senate's Baucus Bill.
The all-day reading of the bill, which is also known as America's Affordable Health Choices Act, began at 5 a.m. and is expected to conclude by 10 p.m. The event, put on by the Pa. Health Access Network, included a noontime rally in favor of passage of the bill. A candlelight vigil will begin at 7 p.m. during the evening portion of the reading of the bill.
“We want to point out there are better bills than the Baucus Bill.” said PHAN spokeswoman Alison Hirscher, of Williamsport.
The Baucus Bill, being considered by the Senate, does not include a public option.