In an absolutely stunning move, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party voted to support Single Payer Health Care for the state.  This is beyond amazing, and it’s one of those moments where I’m proud to be a Democrat.

From the Pennsylvania Progressive, who got this from HealthCare4AllPA:

The Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee today unanimously endorsed a resolution calling for passage of single payer healthcare, Senate Bill 400 and House Bill 1660, also known as the “Family and Business Healthcare Security Act.”

Given the healthcare reform deadlock in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania’s nation-leading status in the battle for state-based “Medicare for All,” is all the more significant.

“Not only does Pennsylvania now have the Democratic Party on board with the Single Payer healthcare for all,” said Healthcare for All PA executive director Chuck Pennacchio, “we also have the promised signature of our governor and the active support of Republican and Democratic leaders in both the State Senate and State House.”

Added Pennacchio, “Pennsylvania is clearly ‘ground zero’ for cost-saving, life-enhancing, job-creating, quality, comprehensive, publicly-funded, privately-delivered, healthcare for all. Once PA adopts the proven single payer solution, our neighboring states will move rapidly to adopt the same answer, and congress will quickly follow suit.”

I don’t know if the Republicans in the General Assembly will go for it, but this is still a step in the right direction.  Imagine PA residents not having to worry about money if they get sick.  I know so many people that this would help.  Not only that, reducing health care costs for businesses in PA would spur growth and investment on an unprecedented scale.  There’s a lot to say on this topic, and I’ll be investigating the actual bill to give a more detailed report.

If you want real health care reform, though, and you are tired of a Federal Government that can’t get anything done, vote for a PA Democrat.  That’s the bottom line.