State Assembly Backs Health Care For Everyone (ArnoldCare Passed On Party-Line Vote Alert)

Los Angeles Times ^ | 12/18/2007 | Jordan Rau

[goldstategop]

The state Assembly on Monday approved the first phase of a $14.4-billion plan to extend medical insurance to nearly all residents, giving Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his Democratic allies their first victory in a risky yearlong campaign to overhaul California's healthcare system.

The measure, negotiated by Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles), would require almost everyone in California to have insurance starting in 2010. It would provide subsidies and tax credits for those who would have trouble paying their share of the premiums.

The authors estimate that it would bring medical coverage to 3.6 million Californians, including 800,000 children, who currently don't have it. But the plan cannot go into effect unless it passes the state Senate and voters approve a companion initiative that Schwarzenegger and Nuñez are planning to place on the November ballot to finance it.

The measure, which passed the Assembly on a party-line 45-31 vote, was heralded as an important step not only for California but for a national Democratic effort to enact a similar plan for the entire country.

On the Assembly floor, Republican legislators -- none of whom voted for the measure -- accused Schwarzenegger of reneging on his anti-tax campaign pledge and predicted that the strategy of bypassing them by going to the ballot would not succeed.

"Our governor, a governor . . . who promised not to raise taxes, is in fact working with the majority Democrats in this body to push through the largest business tax increase in the history of California," said Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (R-Irvine).

[goldstategop]

Arnold just broke his promise not to impose new taxes. ArnoldCare amounts to the biggest tax increase in California history. Health care for everyone? If you think paying higher taxes is your idea of better health care, you'll love this plan. The smart bet is voters will see through the phony feel good rhetoric from the Governor and the Democrats - the plan after all passed on a party-line vote. Not a single Assembly Republican voted for it.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[counterpunch]

This looks like John Edwards’s proposal of forcing every citizen to have medical insurance, just like drivers are forced to have auto insurance. Am I wrong?

How is the government going to enforce this? Drivers without auto insurance can lose their licenses or their cars. Will citizens without medical insurance lose their citizenship or their lives?

This is how politicians solve the “healthcare crisis” they claim exists? By creating a healthcare police state?

[Bush gal in LA]

Ok thats it! I’m out of here!

[goldstategop]

It violates the federal ERISA law. This turkey won't see the light of day. At least it won't make through the State Senate this year. I think Arnold and Speaker Nunez's celebration is premature.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

There's a compulsory requirement for auto insurance yet there are millions of uninsured drivers. If they can't catch driver scofflaws, they're going to have a harder time catching health insurance cheats. Besides, do you really want the government to tell you how to take care of your own health? Free people know the answer to that question.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[counterpunch]

Would Christian Scientists be exempt?

[Westlander]

California Triage Nurse

[CPOSharky]

Will the last English-speaking taxpayer leaving California please turn off the lights.

[NormsRevenge]

When metrosexuals rule..

If you thought energy deregulation was a hoot.. Stand by!
You ain't seen nothin' yet!

Gubby: I'm so happy, I could kiss you.
Fabian: But what would Maria say?

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[socialismisinsidious]

Socialized Medicine aka Universal Health Care PING LIST

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[socialismisinsidious]

This needs to be watched closely along with RomneyCare b/c this IS the way medicine will be socialized. One state at a time.