FLORIDA NOW SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE ACT
WHEREAS, the United States is ranked thirty-seventh in the world in terms of quality and access to health care (World Health Organization) and ranked the most expensive in terms of cost (The New York Times, Health Financing Administration); and
WHEREAS, in the U.S. health care is a “benefit” tied to a job or marriage, which means women have to: (a) worry about health coverage in deciding to marry and divorce; (b) struggle to pay for our children’s health care; (c) give up health insurance when we work part time or in the home (and we are often expected to do so to provide unpaid care for children, elderly, and the sick); (d) depend on our spouses or domestic partners for healthcare; and
WHEREAS, in most other countries women have universal programs, such as national health care, that are guaranteed to them as persons in their own right—regardless of marriage or employment—which gives them more independence from men and employers and allows them to struggle for equality with men both in their paid employment and their unpaid work in the home; and
WHEREAS, national health insurance would be a significant step in changing the U.S. benefit system based on a single male breadwinner; this system regards women as less than full citizens, and overturning it is essential for women’s liberation; and
WHEREAS, national health insurance would cost less than our current private health insurance system, and this public good would be available to everyone, advancing the United States toward fulfilling its democratic principles and promise of liberty and justice for all; and
WHEREAS, there is currently a bill in the House of Representatives (HR 676, the National Health Insurance Act) which would provide comprehensive health care coverage, including doctor visits; hospitalizations; prescription drugs; dental, vision, and mental health services; well woman care, contraception and childbirth; quality nursing home and long term-care with no out-of-pocket expenses as well as allowing for complete choice of doctors, hospitals, and other providers; and
WHEREAS, the National Organization for Women has supported health care for all persons residing in the U.S. regardless of marital status, employment, income, or health condition for over thirty years;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Florida NOW support and take concrete steps to work toward the introduction and passage of HR 676 in the Senate and the House; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that Florida NOW send action packets to assist chapters in lobbying, grassroots activism and movement-building for HR 676 to every Florida NOW chapter.
WHEREAS, the bylaws of Florida National Organization for Women are a living document ; and
WHEREAS, Florida NOW is a constantly evolving and changing organization; and
WHEREAS, there are times when the bylaws do not lend themselves to changes; and
WHEREAS, there are times when the bylaws are not clear on a topic; and
WHEREAS, there are times when the bylaws do not reflect what we are actually doing;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Florida NOW appoint a bylaw study committee to consider possible revisions ; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said committee bring its findings to the Florida NOW 2008 conference for presentation to the membership; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that in accordance with current bylaws, if the membership at the 2008 conference so chooses the revisions will be finally voted on and put into place at the 2009 Florida NOW conference.
FLORIDA NOW SUPPORTS THE PRO-CHOICE LICENSE PLATE
WHEREAS, the Orlando Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in conjunction with Florida NOW have initiated a statewide campaign for a pro-choice specialty license plate; and
WHEREAS, the pro-choice specialty license plate will enable supporters to display and promote their beliefs and raise much needed money for women’s issues such as reproductive health;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the chapters of Florida NOW be encouraged to support and take concrete steps in their respective communities towards the goal of raising $60,000 for an application fee and obtaining more than 30,000 signatures of Florida motorists who intend to purchase the specialty license plate; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that Florida NOW send action packets to assist chapters in implementing this plan for the campaign for a pro-choice specialty license plate.