Resolution Supporting Whole Washington State Universal Healthcare Bill (I 1362) adopted 7/21/2021

WHEREAS Article 25 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets forth that “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control” establishes a fundamental right to healthcare1;

WHEREAS, in the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document of the Constitution of the United States, declares the responsibility of government to protect certain unalienable rights which include but are not limited to the preservation of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” we conclude that healthcare is a prerequisite for the latter, and as such is indeed a human right;

WHEREAS 522,000 Washington State Residents have no health coverage, more are underinsured, and lives could be saved by ensuring access to healthcare;

WHEREAS the 2018 platform of the Washington State Democratic Party affirms that “healthcare is a basic human right,” and that “An affordable universal single-payer system to provide the most equitable and effective health care, serving both individual and public health needs2” and;

WHEREAS the 2018 State Democratic Party Platform calls on “Washington State to establish a single-payer system for Washington residents until such time as a single-payer system is enacted nationally;”

WHEREAS a single-payer resolution was adopted by the Washington State Democratic Central Committee in April of 20173;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 18TH Legislative district endorse Whole Washington state universal healthcare bill (I 1362);

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the 18TH Legislative district will use its mailing list and online presence to mobilize voters; 

THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the upon adoption of this resolution, it be sent to the Columbian, and all local representatives.

1. http://www.un.org/en/udhrbook/pdf/udhr_booklet_en_web.pdf
2. http://www.wa-democrats.org/sites/wadems/files/documents/Washington%20State%20Democrats%20-%20Platform%20-%20160618.pdf
3. https://www.wa-democrats.org/sites/wadems/files/resolutions/WSDCCRES%20-%20817%20-%20170422%20-%20PASS%20-%20HEA%20-%20Single%20Payer.pdf)
4. http://www.epi.umn.edu/let/nutri/disparities/causes.shtm
5. http://www.wholewashington.org/faqs