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Senator Kuehl Responds to Governors Statement of Intention to Veto Health Care Bill


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EN ESPAÑOL

September 5, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sara Rogers 916 445 1353 or Robin Podolsky 310 441 9084

State Senator Sheila Kuehl, (D-23), responded strongly, today, to Governor Schwarzeneggers published statement of intent to veto SB 840, authored by Senator Kuehl to insure every Californian with comprehensive healthcare benefits; guarantee the right of patients to choose their own doctors; reduce the cost of prescription drugs; and control healthcare costs.

Said Senator Kuehl, It is a mistake for the Governor to reject the only concrete plan now on the table to reform healthcare coverage. In his statement, the Governor says that he cares about affordability,but SB 840 would make healthcare coverage affordable, while preserving quality. SB 840 would have protected, by law, the right of consumers to choose their own doctor, making healthcare more competitive than ever.

Maybe, when Governor Schwarzenegger said publicly that he doesnt believe in universal healthcare,he showed his true face,continued Kuehl. As of now, he still has a chance to prove thats not true. The Governor ought to look at SB 840 again. A leader who cares about affordability; consumer freedom and the health of California would sign this bill.

Said Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, Democrats will continue the fight to provide healthcare access. With 6.6 million people in our state living without health insurance, we will continue to work in the next legislative session to make affordable, quality healthcare a reality for all Californians.

State Senate President pro Tem Don Perata said, SB 840 would open affordable, quality health care to all Californians while maintaining private enterprise and respecting personal choice. Signing Senator Kuehl’s bill would have been a bold and responsible way for the governor to cap this successful session and make a real difference in peoples lives. Despite the misinformation campaign by opponents and the misguided veto by the governor, California families should be encouraged that this fight will continue.”

The 65,000 registered nurses of the California Nurses Association are very grateful to, and proud of Senator Kuehl for her hard work on this most important issue,said CNA President Deborah Burger, RN. Governor Schwarzeneggers planned veto message demonstrates an appalling lack of sensitivity to the plight of California families facing a healthcare nightmare at a time when more than 6 million Californians are without health coverage, countless patients are unable to afford life saving medications, and our emergency response network is imploding while this governor sits idly by.

The Governor has stated that he will veto SB 840 prior to the legislation reaching his desk. His premature veto message is an attempt to silence the tens of thousands of Californians who are actively demanding its signature.stated Andrew McGuire, Executive Director of Health Care for All, one of the grass-roots organizations that sponsored SB 840 and lobbied for its passage. Recent polls show that Californians want universal health care. We condemn the Governor for his knee-jerk attempt to kill the only plan that will provide every Californian with comprehensive and affordable health insurance.

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Emily Gold
Field Deputy
Senator Sheila J. Kuehl
10951 W. Pico Blvd. Ste. 202
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310.441.9084
310.441.0724
Emily.Gold@sen.ca.gov