San Francisco, California. On July 31st at its 38th International Convention, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) endorsed HR 676, single payer legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI).

Resolution 19, adopted after a vigorous debate, states: “…RESOLVED: That AFSCME initiate a concerted campaign … beginning with endorsing existing and future legislation that calls for universal, affordable, quality health care such as Congressman John Conyers’ bill, H.R. 676, Expanded and Improved Medicare for All and Congressman Pete Stark’s bill, H.R. 1841, Americare Healthcare Act, and state legislation such as the Healthy Wisconsin initiative.”

Another part of the resolution states: “By all indications from the primary elections, the battle lines will be drawn between a not-for-profit, publicly-financed system covering all individuals and a private, for-profit health care reform that places emphasis on making individuals pay for their own insurance and having public tax dollars go towards subsidizing private health insurance companies.”

The resolution continues: “Nearly every poll shows that Americans support a government funded and provided universal health care system and would be willing to pay for it in higher taxes if necessary.”

AFSCME is the 18th international union to endorse HR 676. Other international unions that have endorsed HR 676 are UAW, NEA, ILWU, NALC, IAM, Plumbers & Pipefitters (UA), Musicians (AFM), UE, CNA/NNOC, SMWIA, IFPTE , OPEIU, UTU, SEIU, USW, California School Employees Association (CSEA), & AFT.