This morning the California State Senate voted twice on SB 810, the California Universal Health Care Act since there were members “absent” during the first vote. By the second vote, those who were in the room but did not vote were Senators Padilla, Wright, Vargas, and Michael Rubio, all Democrats.
SB 810 failed by only 2 votes today – 19 to 15. We needed 21 to win. Just two more Senators!
The Los Angeles Times describes the situation as a "stalemate". However, SB 810 is on “Reconsideration” and can be brought up again if the votes change. This could happen on Tuesday January 31st - the last day to pass it.
Please call these Democratic senators who DID NOT VOTE today.
Senator Michael Rubio (Fresno/Bakersfield area)
Email: Michael.Rubio@sen.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 651-4016
Senator Alex Padilla (Pacoima/LA area)
Email: Senator.Padilla@sen.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 651-4020
Senator Juan Vargas (San Diego area)
Email: Juan.Vargas@sen.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 651-4040
Senator Rod Wright (Los Angeles area)
Email: Senator.Wright@sen.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 651-4025
You can tell their aides:
“I’m disappointed that the Senator did not cast a vote for SB 810 on the Senate Floor. Senator Leno plans to bring it up again on Reconsideration and I ask the Senator to support SB 810 then. It’s the only real solution to the healthcare crisis and saves the state billions, while guaranteeing healthcare for all Californians, controlling costs, and eliminating the denials of care and restrictions of provider choice imposed by private insurance companies.”
If you are a constituent, be sure to mention that, along with your zip code. (If you want to find out who your state senator is, use this link.) You might even call all four senators who didn't vote, especially if you call at night when you can just leave a brief message without talking to an aide.