California Lawmakers Negotiate Universal Health Care Proposal

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and state Democratic leaders have only two weeks left to reach an agreement on overhauling the state's health care system, and "any hope for an eleventh-hour agreement appears to hinge on whether [Schwarzenegger] is willing to carve out exceptions to his goal of obtaining coverage for 100% of Californians," the Ventura County Star reports.

Aaron McLear, Schwarzenegger's press secretary, said a deal is "close" but added that the "holdups" in negotiations involve how much employers would be required to contribute toward workers' health coverage; assurances that health insurance will be affordable; and the scope of the individual coverage mandate.

The California Labor Federation and state Service Employees International Union continue to resist the governor's individual coverage mandate unless it guarantees affordable coverage for middle-class residents. The Star reports that some involved in the negotiations contend that the affordability demands by labor unions are unrealistic, but public criticism of the unions could diminish any chances of an agreement.

If Schwarzenegger and state Democrats reach a deal on health care, a ballot measure asking voters to approve a funding mechanism must be submitted to the state attorney general no later than the beginning of January to qualify for the November 2008 ballot, according to the Star.

Meanwhile, some stakeholders in the negotiations are considering an alternative plan that would ask voters to approve just a hospital tax, a move that could secure additional federal funding to expand children's health care coverage (Herdt, Ventura County Star, 12/11).