March 7, 2023 By

Contributor   Lloyd Alterman, MD. OPS, NJ Universal Healthcare Coalition

State-based SP organizations

NJ Universal Healthcare Coalition  https://www.universalhealthcarenj.org/

NJ Industrial Union Council

National Affiliations: OPS, Indivisible, Reclaim Our Vote, Healthcare-NOW, PNHP.org, Progressive Democrats of America; Our Revolution/NJ has M4A campaign;

State-based SP bills

A 4538: Sponsor Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez.

This bill simply asks the CMS to allow NJ to be covered under Medicare, similar to Libby Montana. See Montana entry.  https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/A4538 

S 3638: (identical companion bill) Sponsor state senator Brian Stack

Obstacles to SP in the current context

Only 4 of 9 Democratic US Representatives support M4A, and only one of the US Senators from NJ has endorsed the concept.  There are strong machine politics in NJ, and special interests with loud voices in our State. The Democrats are completely bossed by the machine “liberals.”

Advantages for SP in current context (few)

The Senator who has endorsed SP is Cory Booker, who has been a staunch ally.

Goals for SP movement in NJ 2023-2024

Education and advocacy (for both state and national bills!  Educate on the importance of opposing privatization of Medicare.

Support candidates for office who support M4A

Where can people find news about Single Payer in your state and/or join a group?*

Online at the NJ Universal Healthcare Coalition website, and at events sponsored by OurRevolutionNJ.