California Governor Schwarzenegger Hears From Thousands of Californians about Fixing Broken Health Care System

Says Budget Stalemate Should Not Threaten Reform

08/11/2007 -- Demonstrating the strong public support for fixing our broken health care system, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger - joined by thousands of Californians linked via satellite from eight different cities - today took part in CaliforniaSpeaks. The event is California’s first statewide conversation on reforming our health care system.

The Governor urged lawmakers to approve the state’s overdue budget and continue to work on health care reform.

“We need to get a budget passed now because too much is at stake. We cannot jeopardize the millions of Californians who are waiting for health care reform. That’s why it’s important people help legislators understand why we need to move on to fixing our broken health care system,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger, who visited forums in both Fresno and Los Angeles.

To continue the public dialogue on comprehensive health care reform, Governor Schwarzenegger today also announced the launch of a new website regarding health care: www.FixOurHealthcare.ca.gov. On the website, Californians can share their stories about health care, learn more about the Governor’s comprehensive proposal to fix our broken health care system, take action by contacting elected officials and stay up-to-date on the latest health care reform news.

“With 6.5 million Californians uninsured, emergency rooms closing and overcrowded, $14.7 billion in hidden taxes on business, personal bankruptcies due to medical bills and people locked in jobs because of benefits - we need to fix our broken health care system this year,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Your involvement can make it happen - that’s why we need to hear your voices, opinions and experiences so we can create the best health care for everyone.”

With health care reform on the center stage of public policy this year, CaliforniaSpeaks is a non-partisan discussion about the major proposals under consideration, where Californians will make choices about what the state should do. The results of the discussions will be presented to political leaders as health care reform takes shape at the State Capitol.

CaliforniaSpeaks randomly selected participants from San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside/San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Sacramento and Oakland/San Francisco to attend simultaneous forums across the state. Since 1997, AmericaSpeaks has organized similar forums in more than 30 states across the country. The meetings have addressed topics including rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as well as reforming social security.

Earlier this year, Governor Schwarzenegger unveiled the most comprehensive health care reform initiative in the nation, which will bring accessible, efficient and affordable health care to every Californian. His plan addresses our broken health care system and the hidden tax that every insured Californian pays to subsidize the uninsured. Individuals, government, doctors and hospitals, insurers and employers all have equal responsibility for realizing these reforms. By promoting health and wellness, covering the uninsured and increasing affordability, California can create a model that the rest of the nation can follow. The Governor’s goal is to enact comprehensive health care reform this year.

Source: California Governor

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