The California single payer bill, SB810 is on suspense in the appropriations committee, but it is expected that it will come off suspense, pass out of committee and go to the Assembly floor for a final vote. If passed by both chambers, the bill then heads to Governor Schwartzenegger’s desk where he will most likely veto it as in the past. Now is a good time for activists to write to Speaker John Perez and Assembly Appropriations Chair Felipe Fuentes to urge them to move the bill forward. Assemblymember Jerry Hill (D-19) is now a co-sponsor of SB810.

The Labor United for Universal Healthcare coalition is sponsoring a Labor Day parade and picnic in Wilmington. SSG members are encouraged to participate. There will be additional actions in the Bay area and Sacramento.

At the federal level, Senator Bernie Saunders (I-Vermont) is exploring the idea of having President Obama issue an Executive Order allowing states to create a single payer system, thereby bypassing the waiver language in PPACA. Representative Lynn Woolsey, (D-6th) is considering introducing new legislation to create the public option that was not part of PPACA. Single payer advocates feel that tinkering with the employer based private health insurance industry is a distraction from the move to a single payer system.

Congratulations to Healthcare for All, whose all-star comedy event at the Improv raised $9,000.00

Kudos to PNHP California on the success of its first annual statewide single payer conference, known as The Summer Conference, held this past July 17th in Los Angeles.