John Rooney Chairman and founder of the Fairness Foundation project, social activist Date of Birth: 13.12.1927 Country: USA

1. John Patrick Rooney: Championing Social Justice and Education
2. The Fairness Foundation
3. Fighting Discrimination in Testing
4. Educational Choice and the Wall Street Journal
5. America's PAC Controversy
6. Defending the Uninsured
7. Legacy of Advocacy

John Patrick Rooney: Championing Social Justice and Education

John Patrick Rooney was a renowned social activist and the founder and chairman of the Fairness Foundation. His unwavering dedication to providing accessible education and healthcare for underserved populations left an enduring legacy in the United States.

The Fairness Foundation

Through the Fairness Foundation, Rooney established educational and healthcare programs aimed at improving the lives of low-income Americans. He played a pivotal role in the development of Medical Savings Accounts (now Health Savings Accounts) and served as chairman of the Golden Rule Insurance Company, transforming it into one of the nation's leading health insurers.

Fighting Discrimination in Testing

Rooney emerged as a formidable advocate for social change in 1976, spearheading a legal battle against the Illinois State Board of Education and the Educational Testing Service. The eight-year legal struggle focused on racial discrimination in insurance agent testing, resulting in Rooney's victory. The case set a precedent, ensuring the fairness of standardized exams for all.

Educational Choice and the Wall Street Journal

Rooney's work on parental choice in education gained national attention in 1991, with influential articles appearing in prestigious publications like the Wall Street Journal. Through the Educational CHOICE Charitable Trust, he provided scholarships for Indianapolis schoolchildren from low-income families to attend non-governmental schools of their choice. His efforts in Indianapolis inspired over 60 similar programs nationwide, supporting the education of over 53,000 students to date.

America's PAC Controversy

In 2006, Rooney became embroiled in controversy when America's PAC, which he was a major donor to, aired a highly publicized and disputed advertisement. The ad alleged that Democrats supported liberal abortion laws and claimed that approximately 400,000 abortions were performed on black women annually. While Rooney supported the group's overall mission, he distanced himself from the specific advertisement.

Defending the Uninsured

In October 2006, Rooney exposed the practice of some medical clinics charging patients over 3.5 times more than the Medicare reimbursement rate. He argued that hospitals should only be allowed to charge a 25% surcharge, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on low-income minority communities. Rooney advocated for holding institutions accountable for such excesses and provided legal assistance to victims of these practices through the Fairness Foundation.

Legacy of Advocacy

John Patrick Rooney passed away on September 15, 2008, at the age of 80. His legacy as a fearless advocate for the uninsured and underserved continues to inspire others to fight for social justice and equitable access to education and healthcare.