News

Universal healthcare bill headed to the Senate floor

Yesterday the Senate Appropriations Committee on a 6-2 vote passed SB 810 (Leno; D-San Francisco), a bill that will create a state wide single payer universal healthcare system. It will now move to the Senate floor for a vote. The author asserts that the state is overrun by out of control healthcare costs and creating a single payer system will eliminate insurance company middle men, allowing the state to negotiate lower healthcare costs for all. Employers would be obligated pay the vast majority of the systems cost, with co-pays and deductibles making up the rest.

Preliminary assessments have projected the legislation costing the state $250 billion annually.

The bill is not without critics on both sides of the aisle, even Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) admitted the bill lacks proper financing to pay for the massive healthcare system. Steinberg recognizes this, while at the same time voting in favor of the legislation in committee.

This bill has been labeled a “Job Killer” by the California Chamber of Commerce. Not only would this put a huge burden on business through out the state, it is considered unnecessary and redundant with the 2009 federal law reforming healthcare and providing universal care nationally. While the Brea Chamber of Commerce supports comprehensive healthcare reform, we are opposed to a government mandated universal healthcare system.

The Brea Chamber of Commerce is committed to keeping members informed and advocating on behalf of business interests in our region. Let your state legislative representative know how you feel on this issue. Together we can build a strong business community.