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Today the Obama Administration is holding its fifth regional health care summit in Los Angeles. Hosted by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and Governor Gregoire of Washington, the forum will bring together elected officials and health care personnel to discuss what must be done to change the national health care system. President Obama recently told Congress, “Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year.” Health reform is a major part of the budget and both houses of Congress passed budgets calling for a special reserve fund that would change the way health care is paid for and delivered. But the idea of single-payer health care has been shut out of the mainstream dialogue on reform. Hundreds of activists are expected to rally outside the forum, gathering around a giant table which serves as a symbol for Americans’ rightful “place at the table”. Activists are seeking a national non-profit, single-payer healthcare system in which all citizens would have equal access to qualify for health care. The purpose of the forums is for the President to seek input on health reform from both Democrats and Republicans, and Americans from all across the country, including health care workers, labor and business as he prepares to enact healthcare reform. Obama has backed a reform measure that would offer Americans the option of purchasing a government health plan as an alternative to private insurance.

GUEST: Kathy Carder, Registered Nurse, Nursing Practice Representative with the California Nurses Association.

For more information, visit www.calnurses.org.