I joined with about 300 people at a healthcare reform debate in Ventura on Wednesday, August 26.
On one side of Victoria Avenue, more than 170 people waved signs advocating for health care reform outside the Ventura County Government Center.
On the other side, about 100 people held a counterdemonstration, complaining about the cost and the government role in current reform proposals.
It was loud with chants on both sides punctuated by people beeping car horns in agreement. As a SEIU member, I spoke at the rally in support of health care reform.
“American families cannot afford to wait,” I said. “Escalating costs continue to lead us into further deficits, weaker benefits, and millions more Americans are losing coverage. In Ventura County we’ve been told that the County will not pay any increases in health care and all plans will increase between 4 – 24 percent. We must have health care reform.”
The scheduled rally was organized by CAUSE, SEIU 721, faith and community groups. Participants eulogized Sen. Edward Kennedy and focused on the consequences of not adopting universal healthcare.
Speakers also included CEOs representing two hospitals in Ventura County and a group of community clinics.
