Today, Health Care for America Now, one of SEIU's partner coalitions released the results of a poll [.pdf file] that shows broad public support for comprehensive health care reform. According to the poll, there is "intense and widespread voter support for the choice of a public health insurance plan as part of comprehensive, national health care reform."

The survey, which consisted of 800 likely voters from across the country, matched up several statements supporting and opposing a public health insurance option. Every time, voters rejected the opposition's attacks, instead favoring statements in support of the public health insurance plan.

Voters' support for comprehensive health care reform should come as no surprise as the economy continues to backslide. A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that every 1% increase in unemployment leads to 1.1 million more uninsured Americans. With unemployment jumping to record highs, the health care crisis is becoming very real and very personal for millions of Americans.

The overwhelming support for a plan that includes a public health insurance option, though, is striking. In fact, the preference for a system with both public and private health insurance options extended across all demographics and political affiliations - with a large majority of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents supporting it.

Our movement helped put the health care crisis in the spotlight during the 2008 election. Three months later, it's clear that voters still feel the same sense of urgency and importance when it comes to providing quality, affordable coverage for every American.