Hartford Mardi Gras Parade for "Fat Cat" Tuesday

HARTFORD, Conn. - It'll be colder than New Orleans, but Connecticut activists are planning a Mardi Gras parade of their own today. Instead of a "Fat Tuesday" parade, however, it is being called a "Fat Cat Tuesday" celebration. Activists from the labor movement, community organizations and faith groups are marching to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) to show support for health care reform.

March organizer Phil Sherwood, deputy director of the Connecticut Citizens Action Group, a member group of Health Care for Americans Now, explains.

"Insurance companies nationally, and in the state, have just recorded record profits. They're simultaneously investing millions to maintain the status quo and kill health care reform."

Health care legislation has been stalled since the beginning of the year, leaving 40 million Americans, including more than 300,000 Nutmeggers, without coverage, Sherwood notes.

"Obviously, the status quo is unacceptable."

Calls to CBIA were not returned. CBIA lobbies on behalf of the state's insurance companies, and also provides employee health benefits for its members. Insurance companies are strong voices against reform plans now on the table.

The march starts at 5 p.m. in front of Christ Church Cathedral, 45 Church Street, Hartford (Corner of Church and Main Streets, across from the old G. Fox Building.