Senate Candidates Discuss Health Care in Debate

Assembly member Abel Maldonado (R-San Luis Obispo) and San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Peg Pinard (D), who are running in what is "expected to be one of only two competitive state Senate elections in California this fall," on Wednesday debated health care issues, including workers' compensation reform, the San Luis Obispo Tribune reports. Health care questions "dominated" the 15th District candidates' 45-minute forum in Shell Beach, which more than 100 people from health and legal organizations attended, according to the Tribune. The debate was sponsored by the local bar association and medical and dental societies.

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Maldonado said he had worked this year with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to reform the state workers' compensation insurance system. "When employees get hurt, we want them to get care immediately and get back on the job," he said.

However, Pinard said the legislation did not adequately address the cost of workers' compensation insurance for small business owners, the Tribune reports.

Maldonado said the system needs further reform, adding that he would make such reform a priority if elected senator (Huff, San Luis Obispo Tribune, 10/14).

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