California’s Gubernatorial Candidates Split Over Single-Payer
The candidates were aligned on most of the other topics, but the differences when it came to universal health care reflected the national split among the Democratic Party.
Los Angeles Times:
Democrats Running For California Governor Debate Over Bringing Single-Payer Healthcare To The State
The top four Democrats running for California governor stood onstage for the first major candidate forum Sunday, splintering over single-payer healthcare but little else. The divide on healthcare mirrored the conflict within the Democratic Party both nationally and in California, with progressives — including those who backed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for president — aggressively pushing for universal healthcare while moderates and establishment party members want to plot a more deliberative, cautious course. (Willon, 10/22)
Sacramento Bee:
Candidates For California Governor Debate Universal Health Care
The two leading Democrats for California governor on Sunday split over how to achieve universal health care, with Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom defending his support for a government-run, single-payer system and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa dismissing as “pie in the sky” plans that don’t include viable financing methods. (Cadelago, 10/22)
KQED:
Democratic Candidates For Governor Split On Single-Payer Health Care
California’s four Democratic candidates for governor all promised to expand healthcare for Californians but are split over whether that approach should be a single-payer system. At a forum in Anaheim sponsored by the National Union of Healthcare Workers, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom reiterated his support for single-payer in California, while former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa urged caution over adopting a dramatic overhaul that could cost billions of dollars. (Marzorati, 10/22)
And —
Sacramento Bee:
Single-Payer Health Care Debate Returns To CA Capitol
Perhaps no measure generated more interest at the Capitol this past legislative session than Senate Bill 562, as activists led by the California Nurses Association mounted a massive campaign in support of the proposal for a statewide, government-run health care system. ... That process begins this week with two days of hearings, 1 p.m. today and 2 p.m. tomorrow in Room 4202 of the Capitol. Announced by [Assembly Speaker Anthony] Rendon in August to determine how the Legislature can move forward on improving health care access in California, the discussions led by Assemblymen Jim Wood, D-Healdsburg, and Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, will focus on current gaps in coverage and universal health systems in other countries. (Koseff, 10/23)