Brown Hits Roadblocks With Plan To Replace Managed Care Organization Tax
The framework for Gov. Jerry Brown's complicated proposal has been generally backed by insurers, but details must be worked out to gain full support from businesses and Republican state lawmakers. In other news from the California Legislature, an artificial turf safety bill is rejected.
Los Angeles Times:
Revamping The Tax On Healthcare Plans Proves Tougher Than Gov. Brown Thought
Three weeks ago, Gov. Jerry Brown confidently predicted that the vexing question of how to extend a tax on healthcare plans in order to fund state medical coverage for the poor was well on its way to being solved. "We need the [managed care organization] tax now — this month," Brown said. "We’re going to get it. We’ve got to get it." But as January has come to a close, his administration has yet to nail down an overhaul that can win support from the insurers, much less secure the Republican votes necessary to pass the Legislature. (Mason, 2/1)
CALmatters:
Lawmakers Reject Bills Aimed At Artificial Turf
Is it safe for children to play on fields made of ground up old tires? That’s a question California scientists are studying in the wake of alarming media reports that featured cancer-stricken soccer players describing years of diving into artificial turf made of recycled tires. (Rosenhall, 1/31)