A coalition of local groups today called for health care reforms as part of a national campaign aimed at making quality, affordable health care available to every American.

At a news conference at the United Steelworkers Building, Downtown, William Belt, president of Allegheny County's Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN, called for giving consumers the option of keeping their current coverage through a private insurance plan or having the choice of other private or public plans, with standardized, comprehensive benefits at a price based on their incomes.

"We're offering a bold new solution that gives you real choice and a guarantee of quality coverage you can afford," he said.

He was joined at the news conference by representatives of the Allegheny County Labor Council, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, Health Care for Health Care Workers, Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania, Working America and the ACORN Health Care Committee.

While a number of reform proposals have been advanced by candidates for president and others, officials for the groups emphasized that they are not advocating for any specific proposal.

The effort was part of a national campaign by Health Care for America Now, which organizers said included similar demonstrations today in more than 40 cities. According to a news release, the campaign plans to spend $25 million in in advertising between now and election day and have 100 organizers in 45 states.