2005 Seattle Elections

General Elections Voters' Guide

Health Care Advisory Ballot Measure - Ballot Title

Ballot Title

Advisory ballot measure No. 1 concerns the right to health care.

If approved, the measure would advise the mayor and city council that every person in the U.S. should have an equal right to quality health care, and that Congress should implement that right. The measure would advise the City to take steps to secure that right, including: requesting legislation, supporting education and advocacy, publishing a report on local health-care access, and convening an expert panel to advise the City and private employers on improving insurance coverage for Seattle residents.

Should this advisory measure be approved?

Yes...

No...

City Attorney's Explanatory Statement

The effect of the advisory measure if approved:

This is an advisory measure and by itself would change no laws. Instead, voters would advise the mayor and city council members that every person in the United States should have the right to health care of equal high quality, and that Congress should immediately enact legislation to implement this right.

The measure also would advise the City to take the necessary steps to help realize this right for Seattle residents and others. These steps would include but would not be limited to the following:

• Asking Washington state and congressional lawmakers to adopt legislation that provides universal access to high-quality health care.
• Asking Washington state legislators to support the City's efforts and work toward the goal of universal access to high-quality health care.
• Supporting advocacy and public education on the issue of high-quality universal health care.
• Researching ways that the City Council can improve health-care access for the uninsured.
• Compiling data and publishing an annual report on local health-care indicators, including information on access to health care.
• Convening a panel of experts to prepare a report and make recommendations to the City about specific steps that the City and private employers could take to prove insurance coverage for Seattle residents.