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by Barry Hermanson
Last month, I asked: Will Democrats enact universal health care? For almost two years, during a pandemic that to date has caused nearly 80,000 deaths statewide, California Democratic politicians were silent. One year ago, AB 1400 was introduced but immediately shelved. Before that, 2017 was the last time universal health care was discussed. The question remains unanswered but two important steps were taken in January.
AB 1400 (universal health care in California) had to pass out of the Assembly Health Committee by Jan. 14 and the Appropriations Committee by the 21st. The votes in the Health and the Appropriations Committees were each 11 in support and only 3 noes. Two members of the Assembly Health Committee voted yes just to keep the discussion going even though they had major questions and reservations about the proposal.
Last month, I wrote: The Health Committee is chaired by, up to now, an opponent of universal health care. Many within the universal health care advocacy community have never considered Assemblyman Jim Woods an ally. Woods began his comments at the committee hearing by saying:
For too long, the Democratic Party’s support for incremental improvements to a broken system has been their preferred legislative goal.
“I took an oath when I graduated from dental school to put the patient first. That’s why I’m here. I feel the entire health care system has forgotten about that oath and lost its way. We live in a world where profits, short term, long term, seem to be the driving motivation for an entire system. Californians need quality affordable health care.” His comments were given after public comment and before other members of the committee spoke, beginning after five hours and 27 minutes of the hearing, https://www.assembly.ca.gov/media/assembly-health-committee-20220111/video.
Jim Woods’ statement gives me hope. It may be an indication that the leadership of the Democratic Party is beginning to change their position on universal health care. For too long, support for incremental improvements to a broken system has been their preferred legislative goal.
Passing out of the Assembly Health and the Appropriations Committees are two very important steps. There are many more. AB 1400 must pass out of the full Assembly by Jan. 31, the day the Bay View goes to press. If it passes, it goes to the Senate where more votes will be taken.
AB 1400 is now seen as a policy bill. A separate funding bill – ACA 11 – was introduced by Assemblyman Kalra on Jan. 5. It may be heard in committee on Feb. 5 and must pass the full Assembly by May 27. Because it is a California Charter amendment, ACA 11 will require a two-thirds vote in favor in both the Assembly and the Senate, a signature by the governor and more than 50 percent of California voters in an election.
Will Democrats enact universal health care? Finally, legislation to improve the health care for everyone in California is moving forward. “Californians need quality affordable health care.” Two important steps have been taken. There are many more for AB 1400 and ACA 11. Assemblyman Woods’ comments give me hope that there will be more victories as we work to achieve better health care for everyone in California.
Barry Hermanson is a Green Party of California Coordinating Committee member and a former small business owner. Contact him at Barry@Hermansons.com or 415-255-9494.
