California Governor Schwarzenegger Vetoes AB 8, Urges Lawmakers to Continue Work on Comprehensive Health Care Reform

10/12/2007 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today vetoed AB 8, by Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland), a bill that does not cover all Californians, does not address the key issues to reduce health care costs and places too much of the financial burden on employers.

“This bill does not achieve coverage for all – a critical step needed to reduce health care costs for everyone. Instead, AB 8 puts more pressure on an already broken health care system and places an unreasonable financial burden on businesses. A 7.5 percent fee would force employers to shoulder the entire burden of health care reform – a devastating blow to small business in California,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger.

Earlier this week, the Governor released language in bill form for his comprehensive Health Care Security and Cost Reduction Act, which brings access to affordable health care to every Californian.

“The detailed plan I released this week ensures access to health coverage for all, increases affordability, guarantees that everyone can get insurance and requires employers to pay their fair share – but not the full share – of reform. We have taken a significant step in the direction of the legislative leaders and we have signaled our willingness to consider new ideas. The time is now for all of us to return to the negotiating table, find middle ground and pass the comprehensive reforms we need to fix our broken health care system,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger.

See attached veto message

Source: California Governor

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