Last night I had the opportunity to take part in history when I attended President Obama’s momentous speech about the urgent need to reform our health care system.  After the speech I spoke directly to the President.  I was moved by his grateful acknowledgement of the tireless efforts of Florida’s health care workers to demand real reform. 

As I watched the President’s speech from the gallery above the House floor I couldn’t help but think about the September 8th article – “Nelson avoids the stage during health care battle” – I’d read in the St. Petersburg Times on the way to Washington.  The Times reported:  “Sen. Bill Nelson is Florida's most powerful Democrat in Washington, but he has remained on the margins of the health care debate.”  President Obama even said in his speech that the Senate Finance committee, of which Sen. Nelson is a member, is the only committee that hasn’t completed its work on health care reform.  This powerful committee could decide the ultimate success or failure of reform.

As the leader of Florida’s largest health care union I represent tens of thousands of frontline care providers, many of whom can’t afford health care themselves or have insurance they can’t afford to use. On their behalf I am making a personal plea to Sen. Nelson to step up and lead on this life and death issue for millions of Floridians and Americans. 

As President Obama said in his speech, “Now is the season for action.  Now is when we must bring the best ideas of both parties together, and show the American people that we can still do what we were sent here to do.  Now is the time to deliver on health care.” 

We have seen the impact Bill Nelson can make when he commits to a fight – Floridians have him to thank for saving our shores from offshore drilling.  If Bill Nelson resolved today to fight for quality, affordable health care for all he could change the course of history and restore America’s status as a nation that cares for its people.

Sen. Nelson, Floridians can’t afford to wait.