States' moves good, but US needs health fix

It seems that the trend in finding solutions for the health care crisis in America has picked up some steam. Massachusetts has passed a bill to provide universal health care for all citizens in that state, and now the state of Wisconsin is pursuing similar universal coverage initiatives. The Wisconsin plan is akin to car insurance for which everyone is required to purchase the coverage one way or another. The Wisconsin plan would mandate that all employees pay a minimum fee for each and every employer, currently somewhere in the $300-per-month range, to ensure that all employees in that state have coverage. There would be deductibles similar to conventional insurance coverage as well as co-pays. Employers and employees would share the cost. The efforts in these states are laudable; however, we need a national effort in order to fix the problem and to provide adequate coverage. Now let's get everyone to the table. It's the right thing to do. Chip Gerrity, President NJ IBEW, Heightstown - Published in the Daily Journal, August 17, 2006