Last Friday, thirty students from Yale College, Medical School, and School of Public Health traveled to Hartford to lobby for H.B. 6600. In the morning, we had the opportunity to hear from the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut Campaign Manager Lynne Ide, State Health Advocate Kevin Lembo, Speaker of the House Chris Donovan, and numerous other state representatives. This goal of this trip, however, was not just to listen but to act. During the rest of the day we connected with over one hundred legislators, meeting with both elected officials and their aides.
It is time that politicians in Hartford hear the student voice on this issue:
One in four adults age 18-24 in Connecticut are uninsured
Young people fall through the cracks of our broken health care system because they do not quality for HUSKY and many employers do not offer insurance coverage for entry-level jobs
Contrary to stereotypes about "young invincibles," many young people suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes and depression
Without a greater focus on prevention, some experts predict that today's youth may not live as long as their parents
Not only does this issue affect us in a deeply personal way, but it also ties directly to our future, the future of Connecticut, and the future of this nation. Health care costs are expected to double in the next ten years and young adults will ultimately bear the burden of paying for them. These rising health care costs drag down the economy as a whole and make it difficult to find good jobs. By guaranteeing quality, affordable health care, our legislature will keep students in Connecticut, working for Connecticut.
The economic arguments are powerful on their own, but nothing is stronger than the moral imperative. As young adults, full of excitement about the future, we refuse to let a broken health care system damage our nation. We refuse to countenance our rank as number 37 on the list of best health systems across the globe. We refuse to see monied interests deciding who lives and who dies. We demand a new vision and a new way. SustiNet is our chance to establish that new way in Connecticut. It's smart. It's right. It's time.
Ben Stango President, College Democrats of Connecticut
New Executive Board
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Today at the College Democrats of Connecticut 2009 Convention, elections were held to choose this year's executive board.
