SEIU District 1199 President Becky Williams was joined in a Saturday rally at the local union's Columbus headquarters by activists and a powerhouse lineup of Ohio officeholders urging Congress to "finish healthcare reform right."

"It is time for health care reform," Williams said. "If congressional opponents of reform won't cooperate, we must then use whatever legislative means are necessary to get the Senate bill passed by the House, signed by the President, and written into the laws of our country."

Echoing this call were Ohio Secretary for State Jennifer Brunner, Ohio Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, and Ohio Representatives Marian Harris and Ted Celeste. The dominant theme was that health insurance reform efforts cannot wait and should build upon what Congress has already passed instead of starting over again from scratch.

The 2 pm "Health Care for America Now" rally was sponsored by Progress Ohio and hosted by SEIU 1199. Due to the persistence of many Americans and SEIU members, our historic campaign to end abusive health insurance practices, expand coverage, and rein in runaway costs for all Americans is regaining momentum in Washington.

Watch video of Williams below:

Rally attendees also included the Ohio AFL-CIO, Health Care for America Now and a wide list of sponsors such as the Alliance of Retired Americans (ARA), UFCW, Ohio Faith & Justice Collective, Planned Parenthood, UHCAN, Jobs with Justice & Ohio Consumers for Health Care.

Reposted from SEIU District 1199WV/KY/OH Blog.