This forum on Monday evening 6:30 PM PST, July 31, is an opportunity to hear directly from proponents of two bills aimed at advancing the cause of guaranteed health care for all California residents. You can register here.
SB 770- Unified Health Care Financing (Wiener/McGuire) is sponsored by the Healthy California Nowstatewide coalition. It builds on the findings and recommendations of the Healthy California for All Commission and offers a process for building strong support for passing single payer legislation. It describes desired features of a state-based system and calls for timely discussions between the Newsom and Biden administrations regarding required design elements and potential for federal funding. It involves in this process a waiver development workgroup of diverse healthcare reform advocates. The bill has passed the full Senate and the Assembly Health Committee and is expected to come before the Appropriations Committee next month before going to the full Assembly.
AB 1690- Universal Health Care Coverage (Kalra) is sponsored by the California Nurses Association. It is currently in development with plans to move it into the Assembly Health Committee in January 2024. The bill's statement of intent says the legislature will direct the state to "guarantee accessible, affordable, equitable, and high-quality health care for all Californians through a comprehensive universal single-payer health care program that benefits every resident of the state." Outreach to promote public support is underway through monthly canvassing throughout the state. For more information, connect with the CalCare campaign at info@medicare4all.org.
P.S. There are many ways to get involved. HCA welcomes new members!If you have time to volunteer, please complete our volunteer surveyand see our take action page for suggestions. And of course donations are always welcome.
