In a strong ratification of the path we have set to win guaranteed equitable healthcare for everyone in California, on June 27th the Assembly Health Committee voted 10-4 (only one Democrat not voting, all GOP opposed) to pass SB 770 and send it to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
After securing overwhelming support from the state Senate in a 30-9 vote, overcoming health insurance opposition and misrepresentations about SB 770, we are now in a strong position to send SB 770 to the Assembly floor.
The hearing showcased the diverse and powerful coalition that supports SB 770. Check out this list of supporters:
- California Alliance for Retired Americans
- California Conference of Machinists
- California Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO
- California Onecare
- California Pan – Ethnic Health Network
- California State Council of Service Employees International Union (SEIU California)
- California Teamsters Public Affairs Council
- Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy
- Chispa, a Project of Tides Advocacy
- Clinica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero
- Consumer Watchdog
- Courage California
- Equality California
- Gray Panthers of San Francisco
- Health Access California
- Healthcare for All – California
- Healthcare for All Working Group – Sonoma County
- Inland Equity Partnership
- League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) of Riverside Council 3190
- National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW)
- Peace and Freedom Party of California
- Physicians for a National Health Program – California Chapter
- The Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective
- Therapists for Single Payer
- UNITE-HERE, AFL-CIO
- Western Center on Law & Poverty, INC.
Prior to and during the hearing, we have heard repeated misrepresentations about the intent and impact of SB 770. The legislators effectively exposed and debunked those talking points.
Dr. Akilah Weber: “I’ve read the bill, I’ve read the analysis, I could not find anywhere in the bill or the analysis, where it states that passage of this would prevent the implementation of a single payer healthcare system…”
Kevin McCarty (SB 770 and CalCare Co-Author): “Clearly the bill doesn’t say that by implementing this, CalCare would not be able to go forward.”
Scott Wiener (SB 770 Joint Author): “If this bill were a delay tactic, it would say turn in your report in 5 years. The fact that the bill goes into effect Jan 1 and 5 months later they’re expected to turn in a report shows that it’s not a delay tactic, we’re not trying to slow anything down.” (Watch the hearing on YouTube.)
We have momentum, let’s organize to win!
Michael Lighty
President, Healthy California Now
