Teacher unions in Vermont and Oregon have endorsed HR 676, single payer healthcare legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI).

In Vermont, the Board of Directors of the Vermont NEA voted unanimously to support HR 676. The Vermont NEA is the first state NEA to endorse HR 676.

In Portland, Oregon, the Executive Board of AFT Local 3571, the Portland State University Faculty Association, also voted to endorse the Conyers bill. AFT Local 3571 represents more than 500 part time faculty members.

Brooke Jacobson, President of the Portland State University Faculty Association, said her local acted because “members who work less than half time receive no healthcare benefits.” She continued, “We have tried to remedy the situation through collective bargaining without success. There are too many gaps, too many problems. A Universal single payer healthcare system would be better for all.”