Top-of-Paged at Op-Ed News

With Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell's Prescription For Pennsylvania all but dead in its original form, his political allies in the State Legislature, led by Todd Eachus, a member of the Democratic Leadership in the House, seem intent upon salvaging what they can via an amended bill they hope will pass the Pennsylvania House this Monday, March 17th.   Gone is "Cover All Pennsylvanians," a title that was never even remotely appropriate. In its place comes "Pennsylvania Access to Basic Care" (PABC), an even weaker  program that is being baselessly hailed by its proponents as  a "huge" step forward toward insuring all Pennsylvanians.

Before examining the new Rendell/Eachus legislative initiative and the accompanying full court press to pass it – with an assist from predominantly favorable, even sycophantic  media coverage --  some background regarding the original Rendell plan might prove helpful and enlightening.