With Senators threatening to block critical healthcare vote, SEIU members and activists calling more than 50,000 residents in Arkansas, Connecticut, Louisiana, and Nebraska

Washington, DC - Vowing to ensure that a handful of key Senators won't prevent an up-or-down vote on critical health insurance reform, the Service Employee International Union today launched its Adopt-A-State" campaign. SEIU members and activists will call over 50,000 voters in these four states to urge them to contact their Senators and make clear that after years of debate, the people of their state deserve a vote on real health insurance reform.

Landmark health insurance reform passed the House of Representatives on November 7, yet Senators from just four states - Arkansas, Connecticut, Louisiana, and Nebraska - could decide whether reform gets the vote it deserves.

SEIU President Andy Stern noted, "Unfortunately for the millions in this country suffering under an insurance system that costs too much and covers too few, politics and grandstanding are at risk of taking over this crucial debate. The American people elected a team of 60 for a filibuster-proof majority that would push for bold solutions and govern with conviction. It's time they deliver on their promises and guarantee that health insurance reform gets the vote it deserves."

During the 2008 election, SEIU members and activists called tens of thousands of voters in key swing states to elect Barack Obama. For this year's "Adopt a State" campaign, members and activists will similarly choose their own state team and can recruit friends and family to join them in making calls. Participants can follow the progress of all the teams - including membership and call counts - as well as the progress of healthcare reform legislation through the House and Senate.

Continued Stern,"No one will get a free pass for denying the American public a fair up-or-down vote on this bill. The American people have long memories and no one will forget those who tried to derail reform. There will be accountability."

Learn more about SEIU's Adopt-a-State campaign at: www.seiu.org/yeswecan

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