More than 1,100 Floridians rallied to support efforts to pass health insurance reform this year at Organizing for America’s Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour stops in Orlando and Tampa this past weekend, said officials with the Democratic National Committee. Organizing for America Director Mitch Stewart was joined by U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson and OFA Florida State Director Ashley Walker in Orlando and was joined by OFA Florida Field Director John Bivona in Tampa.

At both events Floridians shared their personal health care stories and discussed why they support health insurance reform now, officials with the DNC.

The events followed stops in 11 other cities where thousands rallied to show their support for passing reform this year, they said. The tour is part of a wider set of events being held throughout the nation highlighting the support for reform throughout the country. In the coming days, the Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour will make stops in New Orleans and Dallas to continue amplifying the urgency of reforming our health insurance system this year, officials with the tour said.

At its core, President Obama’s plan accomplishes two goals: it provides Americans who have insurance with unprecedented stability and security, and provides those who don’t with quality, affordable choices. It also reins in sky rocketing costs that are hurting American families and businesses – without adding a dime to our nation’s deficit, DNC officials on the tour said.

They continued: “President Obama’s plan holds insurance companies accountable and makes the system work better for consumers. The plan makes it illegal for insurance companies to deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition, limit the amount of coverage someone can receive, or cancel someone’s coverage when they get sick. It will cap out of pocket expenses and stop companies from charging extra for preventive care.”

“Right now our system works better for insurance companies than it does for regular people. Right now, defenders of the status quo are putting special interest profits and partisanship above patient care. That’s why it’s so important we pass reform this year that gives all Americans more security and stability by bringing down costs, expanding choice, and guaranteeing everyone basic consumer protections. Let’s pass health insurance reform now,” said OFA Director Mitch Stewart.

“It’s time for people with a conscience to stand up and speak out,” said U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson

And OFA Florida Director Ashley Walker said, “Right here in Florida, OFA has been organizing and empowering volunteers across the state to make a difference in the health insurance reform debate by hosting phone banks, canvasses, house parties, organizational meeting and earned media events aimed at building support for the President’s plan for reform.

“Floridians need reform. We cannot delay reform for yet another year, another election cycle or another administration. The status quo is unsustainable,” he said.