The bill establishing universal health care coverage in California begins hearings in the state Senate this week. Senator Kuehl, author and sponsor of the bill, is teaming up with the ACLU to gather letters of support. You can add your voice at this site:
http://ga1.org/campaign/CHIRA_2005/forward/in88ia076twb8
Every step we take towards universal health care gets us that much closer to its reality. We all know the health care system is broken, and the cost is measured in pain, suffering and lives.
This is too important for cautious calculation. This is one where we all must stand up and be counted.
Here is a sample letter prepared by a member of Senator Kuehl's staff. It tells you what you need to know about this bill:
"I am writing to express my support for SB 840, the California Health Insurance Reliability Act, which will cover every Californian with comprehensive health insurance and give them the ability to choose their own physician. This model is estimated to save $8 billion, in the first year alone, in statewide healthcare spending, and will save money for families, businesses, individuals and local governments.
While health care reform proposals may have dropped below the radar nationwide, here in California, we have the opportunity to secure comprehensive health insurance for every Californian through a model that would save money for families, businesses, individuals, and the state and that still preserves choice.
Sincerely,
Emily Gold