Proposed Resolution on Medicare

Following is the proposed resolution to be voted upon by the membership at our May meeting:

Resolution Supporting the National Day of Action for Medicare’s 50th Birthday

Whereas Medicare is the nation’s largest and most successful health insurance system serving the health needs of almost 50 million older and disabled Americans; and

Whereas Medicare has been the most financially efficient health care system in the United States with administrative costs averaging only 2 percent of program outlays; and

Whereas the Ryan Budget attacks Medicare; proposing to raise eligibility to age 67, and turn Medicare into a voucher program in the future; and

Whereas the Ryan Budget proposals would dramatically increase retiree health care costs for unions and City and County governments; and

Whereas July 30, 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Medicare Act.

Therefore, be it resolved that the El Cerrito Democratic Club supports the “Medicare Turns 50” national campaign to celebrate the success of the Medicare program; and

Be it further resolved that the El Cerrito Democratic Club, as part of the national campaign, will educate and mobilize its members for the National Day of Action on Thursday, July 30, 2015, and will work to defend, improve, and expand Medicare as part of the fight for universal healthcare; and

Be it further resolved that the El Cerrito Democratic Club will assign a representative to attend the planning sessions of the Medicare’s 50th Birthday Coalition (M5O).