State universal health care to be advisory referendum question in county
The Dane County Board voted Thursday night to put an advisory referendum question about universal health care on the county-wide ballot Nov. 4.
The referendum will read: "Shall the next state Legislature enact health care reform legislation by December 31, 2009, that guarantees every Wisconsin resident affordable health care coverage with benefits that are substantially similar to those provided to state legislators?"
The board passed the resolution at the end of a 6 1/2-hour meeting concerning two health care related issues: prohibiting smoking in Dane County workplaces, including restaurants and taverns; and providing health care coverage to the domestic partners of employees working for companies that contract with the county.
"It's an excellent idea to let people vote on it in November," said Sup. John Hendrick of Madison.
Jacque Pokorney, who has worked as a physical therapist for 17 years, urged the board to put the advisory referendum on the ballot.
The best, most ethical care happens in non-profit centers, not for-profit hospitals, she said.
Medicare gives her the ability to treat a patient as needed, Pokorney said. While it has its difficulties, it is a great example of what universal health care can look like, including 4 percent administrative costs, she said.
"Health care is a right, not a privilege, and implementing universal health care -- or Healthy Wisconsin -- allows us to finally focus on providing health care to all in need," she said.
Not only is health care a right, but universal health care is smart business, she said, noting the high health care costs incurred in state, county and city budgets.
