109
California Democrats defeat bill to provide "CalCare" universal, single-payer healthcare
(www.politico.com)
Non-paywall link: https://archive.ph/mO5EF
I think it's worth noting this about Newsom:
Even in this heavily Democratic state, CalCare has never made it through the Capitol — this would have been Kalra’s third run at making the concept a reality. Although Gov. Gavin Newsom campaigned on universal health care, he moved away from the idea once he became governor, instead leaning into the fight to expand Medi-Cal to all income-qualified undocumented immigrants.
He'll say/do whatever it takes to win office, then he'll start reneging on the spicy promises that got him there. Politics 101, i guess. But note this goes a step further--a Democrat governor in a heavily Dem-controlled state, yet they still can't seem to find the majority needed to do something genuinely helpful at a critical time, choosing to blame Trump the same way Trump blames the Democrats for everything under the sun.
“Single payer is a powerful idea, and the Speaker appreciates Assemblymember Kalra’s leadership — but under Trump, it’s impossible,” Rivas spokesperson Nick Miller said in a statement. “Democrats’ focus is simple: protect coverage and stop Trump from ripping it away from Californians.”
The cherry on top, in my opinion--Californians would need to pay $14 billion more to make this plan take flight--on top of the $731 billion they currently pay. So close! (งツ)ว
Ah well, maybe next time right? (For the record, this was the 3rd attempt to introduce a single-payer healthcare plan to the state)
As a lifelong left/dem voter, I'm really, really getting tired of this "oh gosh we were so close to making something better for once! But just wait 2/4/x years and we'll do it then, we promise!" -- just to watch a Fetterman or Sinema or Manchin poke their head out of a donkeys asshole for just long enough to vote "no" on progress on any front whatsoever. I get why people say "both sides" because when you've seen this routine for long enough, it really does look that way sometimes. I'll keep voting and rooting for progress anyway, but I'm past pretending the truly powerful Dems genuinely have any of the common person's interest at heart.