THE PRINCETON DEMOCRATIC HEALTHCARE POLICY COMMITTEE
Attending: T. Abe, N. Hall, L. Kane
The meeting began with those present explaining why they had joined the group. Those present agreed that their own goals dovetailed with the suggested mission of the committee including to:
1) raise committee members', democrats' and citizens' awareness of healthcare policy issues/challenges
2) identify, track and/or outline healthcare initiatives (including legislation) which could lead to reform both statewide and nationally
3) develop and carry out an action plan/campaign to lobby state and national lawmakers to make healthcare reform a reality
It was agreed that achieving these goals should be the primary mission of the committee.
The group then discussed possible names for the newly formed group. All agreed that an appropriate, tentative name for the committee should be “The Princeton Democratic Healthcare Policy Committee”.
Discussion then centered on an E-mail from Pam Hersh (a member who was not able to be present), suggesting that the committee invite Paul Krugman to speak regarding his support for an alternative healthcare system. This led to discussion about the possibility of holding a conference on healthcare reform. A variety of other speakers for such a conference were suggested including Paul Starr and Howard Dean. It was agreed that a conference would only be appropriate in 6 months or more time i.e. once the group had formulated a campaign and wanted to use a conference to jumpstart such a campaign.
Regarding the goal of raising awareness, the committee discussed the audience the committee might want to reach. The suggestion was made that efforts target activists and non-activists.
Regarding tracking healthcare initiatives, members mentioned connecting with Governor Corzine’s healthcare policy group, State Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg and the Roosevelt Commission. Also discussed was the benefit of collecting key articles and reports including a healthcare policy report that was issued last year by Rutgers, Camden and information on initiative in other states to create single payer systems (i.e. in Utah and New Mexico). The idea of providing the Governor with information about other state initiatives was discussed. The group also suggested posting any key information on the PCDO website to help raise awareness.
The meeting ended with those present agreeing to take responsibility for gathering information: N. Hall to gather research on state’s healthcare policy initiatives and the Roosevelt Institute; T. Abe to research “K Street” initiatives; L. Kane to obtain key articles and the Rutgers, Camden report. The Chair to circulate minutes to all members and to PCDO to be placed on a webpage.
The next meeting of the committee will be on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:30 at the home of Toshi Abe and Nancy Hall at 465 Walnut Lane.