Representative Josh Shapiro (D-Philadelphia) held his third health care round-table discussion today with labor leaders. Meeting to discuss the implications of a public health care plan, labor leaders expressed their opinions and concerns with President Obama’s proposed public health care plan. Rick Bloomingdale, the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer expressed his support for a public option, as long as it did not come with a tax increase. Mike Welsh, the IBEW International Representative, explained that the IBEW is in the process of creating a national policy, and that the union is “all for a public option.” Eileen Connally, the executive director of SEIU, spoke at length about the need to protect the “under-insured” population. “We need to take care of folks who are most vulnerable,” Connally said. She also expressed her opinion that “quality” of care means increased access. George Hughes, the PSEA Assistant Executive Director of Field Services, spoke about his work on creating formal education programs so that members can understand the positive impact of a public health care plan. He also explained that a public plan is important, because it will make the health care system more transparent and open to the public. Finally, John Mayerson, the UFCW

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