CALIFORNIA HEALTHCARE REFORM

What ACTION can I take?

This year, finally, we have an historic opportunity to pass comprehensive, statewide healtcare reform.

For years, UHW has helped lead a statewide coalition of working families, healthcare advocates, clergy, and community leaders committed to reforming California’s healthcare system.

Far-reaching healthcare plans have been introduced by the Governor, by the Speaker of the Assembly, and by the President Pro Tem of the Senate.There is a serious, bi-partisan effort in Sacramento to take action now.

The biggest and most welcome surprise is that, despite several elements that need to be fixed, the Governor’s ambitious proposal aims to achieve our longstanding goal of affordable, quality healthcare for all Californians.

Of course, we’re not the only ones focused on this issue. Plenty of corporate lobbyists and business interest groups are watching for
the right opportunity to shift the risk and burden of healthcare coverage off employers and onto the backs of working families.

As the debate heats up in Sacramento, it’s critical for us to have a strong voice to hold legislators accountable and to demand that they take action by the end of 2007.

We’re in this fight to win it, and if Sacramento fails to deliver a workable plan that meets our key principles, we will lead the campaign to put healthcare reform on the ballot in November of 2008.