SEIU President Andy Stern standing with faith leaders on Capitol Hill.

Washington, D.C. -- Prominent clergy and faith leaders from Maine, Nebraska, North Dakota, Colorado, Louisiana, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey and California gathered on Capitol Hill yesterday to urge Senate leadership to fix the Finance committee's version of health reform legislation in order to make health insurance affordable for working families.

The event came a day after PICO National Network and Community Catalyst released a report outlining the burden placed on working families under the Senate Finance legislation, and making clear recommendations on what the Senate needs to do in merging the bills.

"A family of three earning just over $27,000 and living almost anywhere in the country can't afford to pay $5,000 a year on health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, as they would be required under this bill," said Rev. Bill Calhoun, a Presbyterian pastor with PICO from Denver, CO. "This would force them to choose between staying uninsured and paying a penalty for not purchasing coverage, or purchasing coverage but cutting back on other basic necessities such as food, housing or childcare to cover the high costs."

"The good news is that Congress can make it right," said Rob Restuccia, Executive Director of Community Catalyst.  "Our proposal reduces premiums and out-of-pocket costs for low and moderate-income workers in the exchange.   It is fully paid for and can be accomplished within the total budget goals set by President Obama." 

To protect low-income families from potentially devastating financial consequences of unaffordable premiums and high out of pocket expenses, the report recommends clear strategies for increasing subsidies for families and capping annual out-of-pocket expenses, as well as offers ways to fully pay for these improvements.

Clergy leaders were also joined by SEIU President Andy Stern, whose union has been one of the most vocal proponents of affordable health care both on the job and in the new Exchange.

"There's no question that there is an economic imperative to get reform done now, but there is also a moral imperative," said Mr. Stern.  "It's simply not right to let people suffer the way we do under the current system.  From denial of care to unaffordable premiums to losing benefits, our system is failing to deliver and women, men and their families from all over this nation are shouldering that burden.  America can and must do better."

"The stakes right now are very high for working families," said Rev. Steve Beckham, pastor of First Little Rock Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA.  "Congress needs to get the details right on affordability for families. The details matter."

Media Coverage

B.R. minister joins others pushing for health care in D.C., Baton Rouge Advocate

Birmingham pastor lobbies for health care, Birmingham Daily News

Editorial: The Moral Mandate for Affordable Health Care for All, Washington Post On Faith Blog

Jackson returns to Antioch with message of unity, Contra Costa Times

Poll: 1 in 4 Adults Say Family Member Lost Health Coverage, The Christian Post

'Repent' over health care lapses, pastors say, Religion News Service

Colorado Faith Leaders: Make Health Coverage More Affordable, Denver Daily News

Health Care Day of Action overtakes Congress, CBS News

Health care decision hinges on effect on small businesses, Sen. Mary Landrieu says, Times Picayune (New Orleans)

On Capitol Hill, religious leaders take stand for working families, Episcopal News Service