The House Health Care & Wellness Committee convened on March 21, 2025, to discuss the pressing issue of universal health care in the United States, with a focus on Senate Joint Memorial 08/2004. The meeting featured testimonies from health care professionals and advocates who underscored the urgent need for reform in the current health care system.

Anna Schroeder, a registered nurse with nearly a decade of experience, presented a compelling case for universal health care. She shared personal accounts of patients suffering due to inadequate access to medical care, including a homeless man who lost his leg to gangrene because he could not receive timely treatment. Schroeder emphasized that many health issues, such as strokes, could be prevented if patients had access to affordable medications. She argued that universal health care would alleviate financial burdens on families, reduce physician burnout, and improve overall health outcomes.

Andre Stadtkos, executive director of Whole Washington, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the passage of the memorial to bring universal health care to the ballot. He highlighted the success of universal health care systems in other countries and urged the Washington legislature to take action, stating that the state has the resources and capability to implement such a system.

Nico Janssen from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner also supported the memorial, pointing out that many Washingtonians struggle with the affordability of health care. He noted that a significant portion of the population has delayed necessary medical care due to costs, and rising premiums continue to be a major concern for consumers and employers alike.

The discussions highlighted a growing consensus among health care advocates that the current system is failing many Americans. The testimonies called for a shift towards a more equitable health care model, emphasizing that the time for change is now. The committee's deliberations on Senate Joint Memorial 08/2004 could pave the way for significant health care reforms in Washington State, potentially serving as a model for the nation.