Hi group!
Just a few thoughts and a very rough draft of a letter to Elizabeth.
First: This is a great opportunity for both the IFP and MEFI, so we
want to encourage collaboration. Second: I think this letter is practical
and has practical value. We should have a pitch to organizations to get on
board!Third: MEFI is finite; the IFP will live on. Building capability
within the IFP is a big "pro" argument for getting on board. Win or lose, our
outreach, daring, and organizing skills speak for themselves.
The big jewel may be Medicaid expansion, but there's a whole lot of
treasure in that chest. One of the most valuable: growing the
progressive movement. This is where it starts.Fourth: Cons discussed at
the original meeting can be summed up in this statement: should we throw all
our energy into an action that will likely fail? Answer: 1)
the IFP can simultaneously pursue other issues; it just takes someone to
organize it. 2) we're
asking for specific support: host a signature-collecting event, take a
petition, publicize, endorse
and send out periodic messages encouraging folks to take petitions,
write letters, etc. 3)
Can we win? Yes! We're already halfway there in Leg. Dist 33! Let's do this!
4) Do you support
Medicaid expansion? The waivers are good, but not enough. Medicaid expansion
is the best vehicle
for giving people health care at this time. And that's what's needed right
now. To do nothing
is to let down all the people caught in the gap and all who will be in the
future.Fifth: This is an election year; we're all about addressing the
issues that matter to quality of life. Let's get out front and lead this
discussion as part of the organized voices or as the IFP itself.
Putting health care on the ballot elevates the debate - front and
center!! We need this debate!
See my VERY rough draft of a letter to the IFP that I'm presenting not so much
for its content as its upbeat tone - or meant to be (not sure I accomplished
that). Elizabeth's letter is straightforward and practical, but it is an
invitation to be a part of the movement - one we are happy to have.
Just my suggestions. Leslie and Annette has rightfully advised: Keep it
simple.
FYI: I can't be at the meeting this weekend. Daughter is officially moving
and she needs help!
Judy
Attachment:
letter to ifp.docx
Description: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
