Obama has made an overhaul of the failing healthcare system a signature domestic policy issue. Today he voiced support for the 1,000 page legislation being considered by committees in the House of Representatives.

Among the changes being considered are:

• Increased taxes on wealthy individuals and couples, which would bring in $544 billion over 10 years to pay for the estimated $1 trillion cost of the healthcare overhaul, including bringing coverage to the estimated 45 million uninsured.
• The cornerstone of the plan is a public-financed health insurance option that would compete with private insurers. The legislation includes subsidies to help people buy insurance, and requires all individuals to purchase insurance or face a tax penalty.
• Insurers would be barred from denying coverage to anyone based on pre-existing medical conditions.
• A cap would be put on "out-of-pocket" healthcare expenses.
• Drug manufacturers would be required to give rebates to those eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, the health program for the poor.

What can you do?

Survey how many people in your community are uninsured. Create a chart with your data and display it in your community center.