Gubernatorial Candidate Vows ‘Firm And Absolute Commitment’ To Universal Health Care
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is running for governor, urged the state's Legislature to move the measure forward.
Sacramento Bee:
Gavin Newsom Endorses Senate Bill 562
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom challenged California’s Democratic-run Legislature to pass sweeping universal, government-run health care next year, pledging that if the bill stalls again, he will make it a priority regardless of what happens in Washington. (Cadelago and Hart, 9/22)
The Mercury News:
Gavin Newsom: "Time To Move" California Single-Payer Bill
“It’s time to move 562 along,” he said to cheers and a standing ovation at the California Nurses Association conference in San Francisco. “It’s time to do that now.” While he didn’t explicitly endorse the bill in its current form, Newsom articulated his strongest support for it so far and vowed a “firm and absolute commitment” to pass universal health care if he’s elected governor next year. “No one is saying it’s perfect or complete, but that’s not the point. That’s what the legislative process is all about,” he said. (Tolan, 9/22)
KQED:
Is Single Payer Becoming A Litmus Test For Democrats?
Single-payer health care has long been the goal of progressive Democrats in California. In 2006 and 2008, the Legislature passed bills to create such a system here, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed both of them. This time around, the nurses union seems intent on not letting this moment slip away. (Shafer, 9/22)