The fight for health care is hotter than ever. With myths and lies entering the public conversation, it's time to bring in the big guns. Enter Howard Dean.

In Aliquippa, PA this Saturday, Governor Howard Dean and SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger joined with SEIU Healthcare PA to kick off a canvass for healthcare reform. "Everybody deserves to be able to get health[care]...Whether they make $10 an hour, or $150,000 an hour, everybody deserves to have their health," said canvasser and SEIU PA member Georgeanne Koehler.

Watch here:

Proving his Saturday was more productive than most people's entire weekends, Gov. Dean also gave an opening speech that same day at the "Health Insurance Reform, We Can't Wait" town hall at the Columbus, Ohio office of SEIU District 1199. Watch video coverage.

We cannot win this battle unless everyone knows the facts. Do you have a friend or family member who's skeptical of health reform? Or someone being bombarded with misleading emails from the far right? Take a minute to send them a note and set the record straight: http://action.seiu.org/page/invite/hcfacts

Beginning today -- July 1st, 2009 -- mandatory overtime is a thing of the past for any healthcare worker in Pennsylvania providing direct patient care. This victory is the culmination of a 7-year struggle by nurses and other healthcare workers who repeatedly marched, called, emailed and lobbied their legislators to support this important patient safety legislation.

With the exception of true emergencies and unforseen events, the law protects all nurses and health care providers from discipline by their employers for refusing to work overtime. Nurses and other caregivers will no longer have to worry about making mistakes or falling asleep while driving home because we had to work over our regularly scheduled shift. This is a monumental day for patient safety in Pennsylvania.

SEIU Healthcare PA has been working to educate caregivers on the legislation and how to implement it at their facilities. Now it's up to our hospitals, nursing homes, State facilities and other health care employers to begin adhering to the new law. If you have questions about how the law is being followed at your facility, you can fill out this form on the SEIU Healthcare PA website. Read more about what is covered in the legislation and how it applies to your facility by downloading Your Guide to Act 102.