The atmosphere was electric in room 8E-A East Wing of the capitol in Harrisburg in anticipation of a hearing on Senate Bill 400 held by the Banking and Insurance Committee of the Pennsylvania Senate on December 16. Possibly the first-ever hearing on single-payer legislation before a Republican-led committee in any state, it emphasizes the non-partisan nature of the legislation. It will be Republicans and Democrats of conscience who will spur this legislation to passage.

Proponents of SB400, the Family and Business Health Care Security Act (single-payer/improved Medicare for all legislation), filled the hearing room. Senate staff opened a dividing wall to accommodate the overflow crowd. The Senators would hear testimony from single-payer advocates: Chuck Pennacchio, Executive Director, HealthCare4AllPA.org; Patricia Eaken, President, Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals; Dwight Michael, Physician and co-owner, Gettysburg Family Practice; Dave Steil, President, Micro Trap Corporation and a former Republican state representative. Opponents also offered testimony.

Committee Chair Sen. Don White (R-Indiana) opened the hearing with welcoming remarks. Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny), lead sponsor of the legislation, shared opening thoughts, singing the praises of single-payer reform including the savings inherent in the bill.

Banking and Insurance Committee members listened attentively as panelists presented testimony. Q&A sessions followed each panel’s presentation. Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), Chair of the Appropriations Committee, made it clear that the status quo is unacceptable. “We need an overhaul. The current system is unsustainable,” he said.

Sen. Don White has graciously made the video and text of the testimony available. It is attached below.

As we embark on our journey through 2010, let us resolve to do all we can, financially and politically, to make single-payer (improved Medicare for all) a reality in Pennsylvania by the time this new year ends. A good place to start is to support the Economic Impact Study  which will verify the bill’s claims and funding mechanism are accurate and sustainable.

Please join us on this historic voyage. Thank you for all your support. Together we can make 2010 the happiest of new years in Pennsylvania.

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Pennsylvania’s Historic Hearing On Single-Payer

****Patricia Eaken Testimony- President, PA Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals

****Chuck Pennacchio Testimony -Executive Director, Healthcare for All Pennsylvania

****Dave Steil Testimony -President, Micro Trap Corporation

****Dr. Dwight Michael on Why Single-Payer is Good For Physicians

****Chuck Pennacchio and Dr. Walter Tsou on: ……Single-Payer Hearing Follow-Up