How Health Care Campaign Rhetoric May Fit Into Gavin Newsom’s Ambitious Agenda
Californians elected a governor who campaigned for a complete overhaul of how people get their health coverage, but Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-controlled Legislature are likely to take a piecemeal approach to health care over the next several years.
CNBC:
California Gov.-Elect Gavin Newsom Inherits Surplus, Booming Economy, Risks
[Gavin Newsom]'s now about to chart a new course for California with an ambitious agenda at a time when the nation's most populous state is experiencing a booming economy and budget surplus. ... Newsom also has made homelessness a priority while in elected office. California has about 12 percent of the U.S. population but accounts for about 25 percent of the nation's homeless population. ... As mayor of San Francisco, Newsom signed into law a universal health care program that covered everyone, including noncitizens. Newsom wants to see a single-payer health care system in California, which is opposed by hospital and doctor groups. (Daniels, 11/7)
CALmatters:
How Gov-Elect Gavin Newsom Could Shape California
As the incoming Newsom administration prepares to unveil its legislative priorities, the single-payer health care concept he has touted will generate a lot of talk. But Capitol skeptics say that despite his promises to make it happen, action will be much more difficult—especially given the idea’s federal obstacles and huge costs. Newsom may be more likely to initially pursue a less ambitious strategy: getting more of the uninsured covered under current government programs. (Christopher, 11/6)
In other state gubernatorial elections —
NPR:
Democrats Gain In Governors' Races, But Miss Chance At History
Democrats made modest inroads against the GOP's commanding lead in governors' offices around the country after Tuesday's midterm elections. But two of their marquee candidates appear to have fallen short. And Republicans are projected to continue to hold power in the 2020 presidential battlegrounds of Florida and Ohio. (Horsley, 11/7)