Sebelius Returns to Philly to Tout Obamacare

Kathleen Sebelius
HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is coming to Philadelphia next week to talk about the ongoing effort to implement the Affordable Care Act.

She undoubtedly is hoping that this event will go better than the first time she attempted to advocate for Obamacare in Philadelphia during an August congressional recess.

In 2009, she and then-Senator Arlen Specter were shouted down by members of the audience when they attempted to defend their support of the bill.

The event is scheduled for mid-morning on Thursday, August 22nd at Congreso in North Philadelphia. Would-be attendees are requested to RSVP with HHS. It is part of the rollout plan for the President’s healthcare reform bill, which is set to go in effect more completely – though not entirely – on January 1st.

“Secretary Sebelius will discuss President Obama’s healthcare law and what it means for our community,” Congreso announced on its event flier. “Learn how those who are uninsured in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley can get health insurance coverage.”

Congreso is a multi-service organization in North Philly which specifically focuses on the Latino community. Its nurse-staffed healthcare facility received a $1.3 million grant via the Affordable Care Act in 2011.

“Congreso’s mission is to strengthen Latino communities through social, economic, education, and health services; leadership development; and advocacy,” its website says.

Sebelius’s encounter at the Constitution Center became one of the most memorable moments of the Tea Party movement. Following the example of activists in Philadelphia, protests sprung up at town hall meetings across the country during the August 2009 congressional recess.

Their effort helped in part to sour public opinion on the bill. The Obama Administration is hoping it will be able to mobilize in August 2013 to reverse the lingering effects from that oppositional effort four years ago.

Jennifer Stefano is the State Director of Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group that helped organize the 2009 protest and remains active in its opposition to the healthcare law.

“Pennsylvania has made our choice. We opted out of the exchange. If you have to work this hard to sell your product, it means nobody wants it,” Stefano said, referring to a health insurance market created by the law.

She said a protest or show of opposition is likely to greet the event.

“She will not come unnoticed. We’re going to make sure she knows we don’t want this here. I will not be a lone voice telling her: we don’t need you here.”

The Tea Party wave that gained steam in 2009 swept Republicans into control of the House of Representatives the next year. Since, they have used the power of the purse to defund and restrain Obamacare – with the ultimate goal of repealing the law.

As a result the Obama administration has been hampered in its efforts to put the law – which requires widespread public education and buy-in- into effect.

A showdown over the issue is expected in the coming months. Members of Congress must vote whether to continue funding the government even if that resolution includes funding for the law.

Here’s a video from the 2009 event:

3 Responses

  1. Plumber licensing requirements vary from state to
    state and some states delineate between levels of plumbing expertise by correlating years
    of experience with various licensing levels. They are dark and humid spots where the ground is perfect for molds to grow.

    Having the name and numbner of a reputable Vancouver plumber who provides a full range of services can give yoou peac of mind, just in case there is a
    minor diusaster that requires his aide.

  2. For instance on a five team parlay if you win four out of
    five plays, the parlay still loses, whereas you would have won thosee four plays as individual single
    bets or with some oother type off unique wager like a round robin.
    The better-quality paassing yards per completion data on defense gives
    the statistical edge to Oakland by 1. Pick a player you like tthe look of if you want –
    you’re lucky, a lot of the top strikers are pretty-boys, buut don’t let it cloud your judgement and stop you investing in the slightly
    ‘plainer-looking’ players.

  3. No need to get panic in such situation as locksmith service can be used to break the doors open.
    These locksmiths are experienced and also trained too minimize the damage
    too the property while breaking the locks when asked for.
    If your doors are not reinforced by locks and dwad bolts, thieves will have an easier time breaking into your home.

Email:
  • Will tonight's U.S. Senate debate affect your decision?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...
Continue to Browser

PoliticsPA

To install tap and choose
Add to Home Screen