Sustain LAist today!

Your monthly gift during our June member drive powers our local newsroom.
1,485 sustainers of 2,500 goal
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Pelosi Marks a Deep Line in the Sand for the Public Option

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

nancy-pelosi-healthcare.jpg
Photo by Speaker Pelosi via Flickr


Photo by Speaker Pelosi via Flickr
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives (D-CA) has been a strong supporter of the Public Option as a critical piece of President Obama's health care reform proposal. For more information on the public option, check out this video and chart. This past week, many politicians are weakening their stances on the public option as a result of pressure from special interests. But Speaker Pelosi marked a line in the sand at an event this week. Check out this video of some of her remarks.

Part of the transcript:

"...there’s no way I can pass a bill in the House of Representatives without a public option. [Applause] As I say, unless somebody comes up with a better idea, that’s how we’re going forth in the House... This is an opportunity, not of a lifetime, of a century. If we don’t pass this bill, with all the comprehensive aspects of it, now I don’t know when we’ll have a chance to do it."

In other words, them's some fightin' words.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today