At the May 23, 2018 General Meeting, members voted to adopt the following resolution in support of I-1600:
Resolution Supporting Whole Washington State Universal Healthcare Initiative (I-1600)
WHEREAS Article 25 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets forth that “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control” establishes a fundamental right to healthcare1;
WHEREAS, in the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document of the Constitution of the United States, declares the responsibility of government to protect certain unalienable rights which include but are not limited to the preservation of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” we conclude that healthcare is a prerequisite for the latter, and as such is indeed a human right;
WHEREAS more than half a million people in our state are uninsured, more are underinsured, and lives could be saved by ensuring access to healthcare;
WHEREAS the 2016 platform of the Washington State Democratic Party affirms that “healthcare is a basic human right,” and that “Government should work to improve our overall health, while assuring access to high-quality, affordable care for everyone2” and;
WHEREAS the 2016 State Democratic Party Platform specifically resolves that we must establish:
“An affordable universal single-payer system to provide the most equitable and effective health care, serving both individual and public health needs;”
WHEREAS a single-payer resolution was adopted by the Washington State Democratic Central Committee in April of 20173;
WHEREAS people of color, people with disabilities, and low income people are the most likely to lack affordable, comprehensive healthcare4;
WHEREAS Whole Washington has crafted a ballot initiative guaranteeing universal healthcare to all Washingtonians, with a funding mechanism devised by a noted economist, which demonstrates that Washington state residents will save over $9 billion dollars annually when universal healthcare is implemented;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 31st Legislative District Democrats endorse Whole Washington state universal healthcare initiative;
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the31st Legislative District Democrats will use its mailing list and online presence to mobilize voters and collect signatures;
THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the upon adoption of this resolution, it be sent to Courier Herald Newspaper.
Adoped, May 23, 2018, by the 31st LD Democrats (signed, Brian L. Gunn, Chair)
