Two labor councils in upstate New York have endorsed HR 676, single payer healthcare legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI).

A total of 97 central labor councils and area labor federations have now endorsed HR 676.

In Elmira, the Chemung/Schuyler Labor Assembly, AFL-CIO, endorsed the Conyers legislation, reports Margaret Costello, council president.

In Mount Upton, the Tri-County Labor Council also endorsed HR 676, reports President Mary Twitchell for whom this health care crisis hits close to home. Twitchell said her uninsured son “… could purchase health insurance through his employer but it would cost him half his paycheck. He’s single, lives on his own, what does a family do? It’s outrageous! How can this be happening? The kid pays taxes, works hard, contributes to society. What a wake up call for me. The passing into law of HR 676 has become a mission for me,” concludes Twitchell.

The Tri-County Labor Council represents unions in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties.