SR0254 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0254 LRB096 12609 RPM 25993 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Families, large and small businesses, healthcare providers, and State and local government in Illinois are struggling to access the quality, affordable healthcare that they need to promote healthy families and a healthy economy in their State and nationally; and

WHEREAS, As a result of the national healthcare crisis, health insurance premiums in Illinois increased by 73% between the years 2000 and 2007, while median earnings increased by only 11%; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois median yearly wage in 2007 was $27,330, while the average healthcare premium for a family was $12,153; and

WHEREAS, Illinois employers spend an average of $9,071 per year on family coverage, paying 77% of the total cost of premiums for family coverage; and

WHEREAS, An average of 700 Illinoisans lose their health insurance every day; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the time for a national solution to the American healthcare crisis that threatens the economic and physical health of the people of Illinois and people across the country is now; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the urgent need for a national solution to the healthcare crisis that meets key criteria for comprehensive health care reform set forth by President Obama and Health Care for America Now, including the following:

(1) affordable coverage and care, with premiums and out-of-pocket costs based on a family's ability to pay and a choice of providers that meets our families' needs from preventative care to care for serious illness; and

(2) a choice of health insurance plans, including the right to keep one's current insurance, choose another private plan, or join a public health insurance plan; and

(3) equity in healthcare access, treatment, research, and resources to people and communities of color and the strengthening of health services in low-income communities; and

(4) a system in which government sets and enforces rules on insurance company practices and charges, requiring them to put our healthcare before their profits; and

(5) coverage that is predictable and affordable for working families, retirees, and small businesses and other employers and that controls costs while improving quality, with measures such as: lowering administrative expenses, investing in preventive care, actively managing disease, setting standards for performance, reducing medical errors, and using the public's purchasing power to lower drug and other prices; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage local governments, families, providers, and businesses across Illinois to work together in 2009 with the newly elected President Obama, the Illinois Congressional delegation, and the leaders of the U.S. Congress to guarantee quality, affordable healthcare for everyone in our State and across the country; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to President Obama, the Illinois Congressional delegation, and the leaders of the U.S. Congress.