Viewpoints: Single-Payer Is A Rallying Cry For California Voters, But What We Need Is A Practical Approach
A selection of opinions on health care developments from around the state.
Sacramento Bee:
‘Everyone Needs It...No One Can Afford It.’ Is There Middle Ground On California Health Care?
When it comes to health care reform, Gavin Newsom and John Cox are from different solar systems, not just different planets. Newsom, the Democrat who is the strong front-runner in this year’s campaign for governor, has promised to work toward a government-run universal health care system. Cox, his conservative Republican opponent, prefers a private-sector approach. (Dan Schnur, 8/27)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Is Letting Drug Users Shoot Up In A Safe Place Really Such A Bad Thing?
In an opinion piece in the New York Times on Monday, [Deputy Attorney General Rod[ Rosenstein said it is unfortunate that some cities — San Francisco included — are contemplating opening safe injection sites where drug users “can abuse dangerous illegal drugs with government help” and “without fear of arrest.” ... It could be argued that the alternative is cracking down on public drug users now, with or without a safe injection site. But under California law, the personal use of most illegal drugs is a misdemeanor. (Heather Knight, 8/31)
Los Angeles Times:
O.C. Cannot Tackle Homelessness Without Consistent Help From Washington
Two lawsuits, seven months and a handful of court dates later, Orange County and its cities now have a deadline: finalize plans to house 1,550 people by Sept. 7 or face a possible court ruling or temporary injunction stopping the enforcement of anti-camping laws. ... While [David] Carter’s mandate for our county and cities to increase the number of beds available for our homeless men and women is laudable, more is needed in order for homelessness to become a relic of the past. (Harley Gouda, 8/24)
San Francisco Chronicle:
California Public Universities Should Make Abortion Pill Available To Students
College students seek abortion at a higher rate than other age groups, demonstrating the need for accessible and affordable care. For nearly 20 years, students have safely and effectively used the abortion pill. They’ve just been forced to do so off campus, which for some involves significant — and unnecessary — obstacles. (Daniel Grossman, 8/30)
Sacramento Bee:
California Communities Are Thirsty For Justice
Our leaders should do what’s right and support Senate Bills 844 and 845 to finance the proposed Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. The bills are modest in scope and cost, but will save lives. They will raise a small, dedicated amount of funding through new fees on agriculture and voluntary charges on water bills to help low-income communities afford ongoing operations and maintenance costs for water treatment. (Dolores Huerta and Tom Steyer, 8/28)
The Mercury News:
Prop. 10 Would Worsen California's Housing Crisis
Rents in California, especially the Bay Area, are soaring. Decent housing is unaffordable for far too many. But the solution is to build more housing, not restrict rents. That’s why voters should reject Proposition 10 on the Nov. 6 ballot. The initiative would lift state limitations on local rent control laws, allowing cities to impose restrictions on more housing. That’s the last thing we need. It would only make the situation worse. (8/25)
Sacramento Bee:
Why Is Legal Marijuana Taking So Long To Reach Californians? Blame Local Officials
Along with legalization, the passage of Proposition 64 ended California’s war on drugs, which disproportionately criminalized the poor and people of color. The California Democratic Party adopted decriminalization of cannabis in its platform in 2016. Despite the overwhelming voter support and decades of progress, nearly 85 percent of California residents still live without access to legal recreational cannabis. (Alexandra Gallardo-Rooker, 8/29)
LA Daily News:
How You Can Stop Sacramento From Raising Your Water Rates And Property Taxes
Under state law, the Department of Water Resources can finalize a long-term contract for water from the State Water Project through a unique process that doesn’t require a vote of the Legislature or any legislative committee. The DWR simply sends over a copy of the contract, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee holds an informational hearing, and 60 days later, the contract can be finalized. In this case, the DWR wants to extend contracts for water from the State Water Project all the way to the year 2085. (Susan Shelley, 8/29)