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unique political advantages, placing the legislation on the inside track among universal healthcare proposals
across the nation.
Pennacchio said at the meeting, " Pennsylvania led the charge that established the nation's independence
from British tyranny in the eighteenth century. Today we declare our independence from profit-centured health
insurance company tyrants who systematically highjack health care decisions and funding to maximize profits,
perks, and CEO salaries."
Workshops included education, organization, media and social media outreach, internal and external
communication and fund raising.
Unique public advantages include: promised signature by Governor Rendell upon passage of the bill; funding
authority contained within the legislation itself; bi-partisan co-sponsorship of the bill; overwhelming bi-partison
support for an economic impact study on HB 1660/ SB 300; public opinion support of legislative goals (68%,
5/1/08, Quinnipaic Survey of Pa).
Thanks to Chuck Pennacchio for providing me the information to write this article! And thanks to Chuck for his
never-ending persistence in achieving healthcare to all Pennsylvania citizens.
Thanks also to all members of Healthcare For All Pa, and a special thanks to Jerry Policoff, who with Chuck,
pioneers this crucial and important work.
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