Backers Say Health Plan Tax Has Enough Support To Gain Passage
The special legislative session will likely continue longer, though, as lawmakers attempt to work out various tobacco measures. The assisted death law that passed last year, however, cannot take effect until 90 days after the session closes.
Bay Area News Group:
Sacramento Democrats Say They Have Enough GOP Support To Pass Health Care Tax
After months of tense negotiations, Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic legislative leaders have finalized the framework of a tax on managed health care plans that they say has enough GOP support to clear key votes in the Senate and Assembly scheduled for Thursday. (Calefati, 2/23)
The Sacramento Bee:
Tobacco Tax Push To Delay Assisted Death Law
The forthcoming legislative vote to renew a health-plan tax would seem to be good news for proponents of last year’s controversial bill legalizing assisted death. That proposal, which will allow doctors to prescribe lethal drugs to terminally ill patients, passed through the same special health care session where the tax deal is now pending, meaning it won’t take effect until 90 days after the session has ended. (Koseff, 2/23)
In other state house news —
The Press Democrat:
Assemblyman Marc Levine Seeks Health Standards For Professional Models
Assemblyman Marc Levine says stronger legal protections are needed to safeguard the health of professional models. Why is the North Bay legislator getting involved in an issue that one might normally associate with Los Angeles or Manhattan? Levine, D-San Rafael, said his interest was sparked by a conversation with some of the women on his staff. (Warren, 2/23)