At the single-payer health care rally in Harrisburg last month, the mantra was, “Let PA lead the way!” We sing the praises of someone here in Berks County who is leading the way in showing support for Pennsylvania’s single-payer legislation, House Bill 1660/Senate Bill 400. Kudos to West Reading Borough Councilman Mike Morrill for proposing a resolution in support of the Pennsylvania single-payer legislation and for guiding it to passage (on a 4-1 vote) by West Reading Borough Council, the first and, so far, only Berks municipality to do so. We were happy to accept Morrill’s invitation to address the council and answer questions from council members and borough residents at the June 16 meeting.

You can’t deny the economic benefits the reform offers the borough. With single-payer in place, West Reading would save more than 50% of its current health care spending which translates to an annual minimum savings of $235,000. And all those savings provide borough employees quality comprehensive health care and help save jobs. The coverage benefits residents, municipalities, and businesses alike. Here’s to Mike Morrill and the West Reading Borough Council, heroes in the health care reform movement!