The “Choose California Act” was one of hundreds of Assembly bills volleyed into the Senate during the end-of-May frenzy before the deadline for legislation to leave its house of origin.
When it began its legislative life, the well-intentioned measure, AB 199, was eight paragraphs long. The bill sent to the Senate for its consideration
“Respect for other people’s rights is peace.” Benito Juarez’s words have rang in my ears ever since I organized farmworkers in the Central Valley, and most recently, as I reflected on the work that remains to be done to protect the health and well-being of all Californians, especially the most vulnerable.
Peace cannot exist
State elected officials often voice their support for open, accessible government. But they also, with few dissenting votes, recently approved legislation that would allow the governor to meet secretly with local legislative bodies.
“The question here should be why can the attorney general, district attorney or chief of police be allowed to have closed
In the debate surrounding our state’s primary care shortage, proposed solutions abound, yet the root problem remains clear: Millions of presently uninsured Californians will be covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) starting in 2014. Yet in order for the coverage to succeed, patients must have convenient and timely access to health care services and
Last week, the Assembly Appropriations Committee derailed Assembly Bill (AB) 975 by moving it to the Suspense File, recognizing the many negative impacts, including the high unnecessary costs to the state. Those who know and care about health care are relieved, because the special interest attack on nonprofit hospitals was the poster child for how
Beginning next year, nearly 5 million uninsured Californians will rapidly gain health coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act. This is wonderful news, especially for those who need it most– the 1.4 million newly eligible for Medical.
However, the reality is that coverage does not necessarily mean access to care. Simply having insurance doesn’t
In the debate surrounding our state’s primary care shortage, proposed solutions abound, yet the root problem remains clear: millions of presently uninsured Californians will be covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) starting in 2014. Yet in order for the coverage to succeed, patients must have convenient and timely access to health care services and
California’s landmark Environmental Quality Act — the brainchild of Republican lawmakers trying to woo a then-new voting bloc of “environmentalists” — turns 43 this year.
Critics, led by developers and business interests, say CEQA’s requirements are too cumbersome. It subjects all commercial and residential projects – regardless of environmental merit — to costly delays,
As California’s cap and trade auction moves forward, ethical people of all viewpoints should be able to agree that citizens deserve an open and transparent process. Assemblywoman Shannon Grove and Senator Ricardo Lara have introduced important accountability measures, AB 245 and SB 726 respectively, that would place the cap and trade auction back in the
Health care reform is already helping real people struggling to obtain health insurance. I know, because my mother is one of them. But California faces crucial decisions this year, particularly regarding the expansion of Medi-Cal, and for the sake of people like my mom, it’s crucial that we get them right.
I was ten