From: RAKNGLTF@aol.com Date: Thu, 26 May 94 14:53:31 EDT NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 1994 Contact: David M. Smith, (202) 332-6483 ext. 3309 or pager (800) 757-7736, dmsngltf@aol.com or Robin Kane, (202) 332-6483 ext. 3311 rakngltf@aol.com NGLTF DESIGNATES JUNE 28 AS HEALTH CARE REFORM CALL-IN DAY Washington, D.C.-- (May 26, 1994) -- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) will sponsor "Health Care Reform Call-In Day" on Tuesday, June 28--the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. As many health reform bills work their way through various Congressional committees in June, the one-day lobby action is intended to focus federal legislators' attention on the demand for health care that is affordable, comprehensive and cannot be taken away. "It is crucial that gay, lesbian and bisexual constituents weigh in with their Representatives and Senators during this time of federal debate and compromise," said Marj Plumb, NGLTF Health Policy Director. "Our community desperately needs health care reform for the same reasons as most Americans. But we also face specific obstacles in the current system, such as high levels of uninsured individuals, lack of coverage for our families, and anti-gay/lesbian prejudice." NGLTF is asking individuals to contact their legislators on Tuesday, June 28, and deliver a simple, straightforward message: "We want affordable, comprehensive health care that cannot and will not be taken away." Criteria that gay, lesbian and bisexual constituents should advocate in health care reform plans include: universal coverage, comprehensive benefits, no restrictions for pre-existing conditions, language barring discrimination based on sexual orientation, and permanence. Constituents are encouraged to call their legislators through the Capitol Switchboard, (202) 224-3121. Activists can also call the NGLTF Health Care Reform Hot-Line at (202) 332-6483 ext. 3410 for updates on health reform bills. "As thousands of people gather in New York City to participate in the June 26 Stonewall 25 march and related events, NGLTF will encourage Stonewall 25 participants to take the energy and enthusiasm home and contact their legislators on June 28," Plumb said. --30-- 1734 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 332-6483 t (202) 332-0207 fax t (202) 332-6219 TTY