The Jackson City Council, along with Mayor Jerry Gist, proclaimed June 27th to be "National Health Care Reform Day". The proclamation was the result of a lot of hard work by city councilman Ernest Brooks.
Mr. Brooks, the second-term councilman for District 3, is a passionate supporter of health care reform who feels the sting of the health care crisis in his professional and private life every day. "As an elected official, I see the toll that skyrocketing health care costs is taking on our city budget. And as a parent, I see my own family's health insurance costs continue to go up with no end in sight," Brooks says. "Health care affects all of us and that's why I'm so glad that our city's elected officials stood together on this".

Brooks strongly encourages other local officials to pass similar proclamations and resolutions. "This is just one way to raise awareness that there's a problem and that we have to get involved to fix it. Other ways include making phone calls to your representatives, writing letters to the editor, and getting involved with great organizations like Change That Works who are working hard every day to make sure that every American has quality, affordable health care".

Here is the text of the proclamation:

PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Because of the escalating costs of health care, Councilman Ernest Brooks II and Tennessee Change That Works campaign are joining forces to fight for affordable health care for all Americans; and
WHEREAS, Everyone benefits from healthy communities, where we all have access to affordable, quality health care from a provider of our choice and at a cost we can afford; and
WHEREAS, Health care reform should include a choice of a private insurance plan, including keeping the insurance you have, or a public insurance plan that guarantees affordable coverage; and
WHEREAS, Health care coverage should provide with out-of-pocket costs including premiums, co-pays and deductibles that are based on a family's ability to pay for health care; and
WHEREAS, An enhanced health care plan should ensure equity in health care access, treatment, research and resources to people and communities of color, resulting in the elimination of racial disparities in health outcomes and real improvement in health and life expectancy for all; and
WHEREAS, It is important that large pools are available in order to achieve affordable, quality coverage for the entire population and to share risk fairly; and
WHEREAS, Health care reform should include a choice of doctors, health providers, and public and private plans, without gaps in coverage or access and a delivery system that meets the needs of at-risk populations.

NOW THEREFORE, I, JERRY GIST, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF JACKSON, TENNESSEE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009 AS "NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM DAY" IN WITNESS WHEREOF I HEREUNTO SET MY HAND AND CAUSE THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF JACKSON, TENNESSEE TO BE AFFIXED THIS 27TH DAY OF JUNE, 2009.