Statement by Mike Russo, Health Care Advocate and Staff Attorney for CALPIRG:
“With the Assembly convening on Monday and new amendments made to the health care reform bill, the pieces are in place for California’s leaders to close a deal on reforms that could greatly expand coverage, contain the surging costs of health care, and give consumers a fair shake when buying insurance.
“Reform is more important than ever in the face of a 14 billion dollar state budget deficit next year. Without reform, that deficit could mean savage cuts to health care programs that serve the neediest Californians. This plan would help prevent that by bringing new money to the table, through federal matching funds and an employer contribution to the costs of health insurance.
“There are some details that need to be ironed out, but it’s time for our leaders to make good on the promise of 2007 as the year of health reform."
CALPIRG is a statewide membership-based public interest group that stands up to powerful interests, working to win concrete results for Californians’ health and well-being. With researchers, advocates, organizers and students, we advocate on behalf of consumers and all California’s residents. ###
