“As we sit in this blizzard, know that you are helping to create a positive and citizen-action-based storm the likes of which hasn’t been seen in this Commonwealth for over 200 years. It will be because of you that this life-saving, job-creating, deficit-reducing legislation passes, granting quality, comprehensive, affordable healthcare for ALL,” HealthCare4AllPA’s executive director Chuck Pennacchio wrote to supporters last month.

Outside, Mother Nature was dumping bucketfuls of snow. Inside, where 301 Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee members were attending the winter State Committee meeting at the Lancaster Host Inn and Resort on February 5-6, things were heating up. A resolution to support PA single-payer legislation (HB1660/SB400 - improved Medicare for all) was the only one being presented for consideration by the body.

Hardly a hotbed of activism, the Democratic State Committee a couple of years ago took a somewhat similar resolution and watered it down to such an extent as to render it meaningless. We were determined to achieve a better outcome in 2010. Proponents of the measure, including volunteers from HealthCare4AllPA.org along with delegations from Lancaster, Berks, Allegheny, Chester, Erie, Philadelphia, Fulton and other counties, mounted an effort on Friday evening and Saturday morning to continue to educate the members and lobby for passage of the resolution.

In the lobby, bar, 7 regional caucuses, 4 issues caucuses, and at campaign events, we sought support and answered questions. Committee members who expressed support were given a ‘PASS the Single-Payer Resolution’ button to wear. Soon it was plain to see that there was a strong sentiment among the members to endorse the resolution. By the time the meeting was gaveled open at noon on Saturday, most members were sporting the buttons.

Much planning and assistance helped to advance the proposal. A copy of the resolution and a cover letter signed by Sen. Mike O’Pake (D-11) and HealthCare4AllPA’s  Dr. Walter Tsou and Chuck Pennacchio were sent to State Committee members so they had advance information and time to consider it. Sen. O’Pake enjoys widespread respect across the state, and his endorsement of this endeavor carried considerable weight. Thank you, Sen. O’Pake.

At the Democratic State Committee, agenda items must pass muster in the Rules Committee in order to be brought to the floor for consideration, a feat that is easier said than done. The Rules Committee met early Saturday morning. The single-payer resolution was the only item up for discussion (endorsement of gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidates were a separate agenda). Berks County Committee Chair Tom Herman, along with the two of us, argued that the resolution must be brought to the floor for a vote. Rules Chairman Jack Hanna did not want a floor debate on the merits of the single-payer resolution. Instead, he directed us to survey the seven regional caucuses, get an indication of whether the resolution would pass, and report back to him. Where votes were taken in regional caucuses, the support was unanimous. We reported back to Chairman Hanna and, seeing no opposition, he conceded that the resolution would be on the agenda as the first item of business. Victory - Round One.

With all the State Committee members gathered for the general meeting, we waited anxiously. Berks County Chair Tom Herman put the resolution forth for consideration. It was seconded by Jon Fox of Lancaster County and James Burn of Allegheny County. By unanimous consensus the resolution passed before you could bat an eye. Victory - Round Two. This was huge. The single-payer solution is officially mainstream.

A few important points must be made here. First, though the Democratic State Committee took on the mantle of single-payer support, this health care reform legislation, it is vital to note, is non-partisan. It did not spring from a Democratic or Republican legislative caucus but from the grassroots, and it enjoys bi-partisan support. Second, just because we won this battle does not mean we’ve got it made. We must soldier on in the struggle to ensure passage of the legislation in the PA House and Senate in order to watch as the governor signs it.

After the conclusion of the candidate endorsement process, the meeting adjourned. We were then confronted with the decision of whether  to try to make our way home through snow-covered highways or to stay the night and make a much safer trek on Sunday. We chose the latter as did many of our single-payer compatriots.

Much energy and effort went into achieving our victory, and now was the time to relax and celebrate. Representative Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) was instrumental in securing the support of Allegheny and other delegations from the region and his legislative colleagues. It was great fun to kick back and savor the victory with Bill. Congressional candidate Lois Herr (D-16th) invited several of us to join her for dinner - great company under any circumstances, but particularly enjoyable with a victory under our belt.

A few die-hards put the evening to bed with a champagne toast courtesy of HealthCare4AllPA’s Jerry Policoff. Read Jerry’s excellent comprehensive coverage of the weekend event, originally published in Op-Ed News  and picked up by the Huffington Post, Daily Kos, and others. Nice work, Jerry!

With the health care news out of Washington more discouraging by the moment (one step forward, six steps back seems an appropriate description), reform in PA is one of the voices of hope in the wilderness.

We trust the success we enjoyed on the weekend of February 5-6 will energize an ever-growing base of supporters among the readership of CS2. Now is no time to rest on our laurels. The push is on to garner support for an Economic Impact Study in the legislature, led by Sen. Mike O’Pake (D-11) and Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26). As spring approaches, we’d like you to spring into action, become part of this historic movement, and watch health care reform blossom in PA.

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