NC Alliance for Retired Americans Meets Shuler

Retirees urge Congressman to support HCR

What present would you ask your member of Congress for this holiday season? How about living up to the campaign promises made to voters in 2008?

An organization of union retirees in North Carolina, the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), has something in mind -- comprehensive health care reform.

"Give the gift of health care reform. Please help us have a happier and healthier year in 2010" was the message on the card delivered to Rep. Heath Shuler (D-11) by John Newman and Jack Marion, state ARA president and Western NC staff person, respectively, at their meeting with the Congressman on December 7.

Last month, Rep. Shuler was won of several Democrats to vote against passage of the House health care and insurance reform bill, HR 3962, despite having won election in 2006 and reelection last year in large part because of strong, well organized support from union members and union retirees in the 11th Congressional District.

The retirees are hoping Rep. Shuler will change his tune when the time comes for the House to vote on final passage, hopefully soon. 'Tis the season for gift giving, after all.