HEALTH ACCESS CALIFORNIA ALERT
Thursday, September 11, 2003
CALL LEGISLATORS FRIDAY TO SUPPORT SB 2 (BURTON), TO PROVIDE:
* COVERAGE TO ONE MILLION WORKING UNINSURED;
* NEW TOOLS FOR EMPLOYERS PROVIDING HEALTH CARE TO THEIR WORKERS;
* SECURITY FOR WORKING FAMILIES SCARED ABOUT LOSING COVERAGE
After a full year of discussion, SB 2 (Burton), to extend health coverage to
one million uninsured workers, is to be considered and voted on in the last
day of this year’s legislative session, Friday, September 12th, 2003. CALLS
ARE NEEDED ON THIS FINAL DAY IN SUPPORT.
Over 18 million Californians get health coverage through their employer; SB
2 would use modest means, using the existing employer-based system and
existing agencies and expertise, to expand coverage to over 1 million more.
Employers of 50 or more would be required to pay a user fee into a state
health purchasing fund. Employers would get a full credit against the fee if
they provide coverage to their workers.
This bill has the unusally broad support of organizations representing
doctors, labor, consumers, hospitals, some insurers, and some employers.
ATTACHED is the letter of support from the sponsors, the California Labor
Federation and the California Medical Association. Health Access California
urges support to provide real relief to a million uninsured Californians
that now live sicker, die younger, and are one emergency away from financial
ruin. Health Access also supports SB 2 as a beginning framework to improve
and expand upon, through implementation and additional legislation, to
finally achieve quality, affordable health care for all.
TO CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR AND ASSEMBLYMEMBER:
Go to the website: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
Type in your zip code to get the contact information of your legislators.
Call their offices, and urge them to “Vote Yes on SB 2.”
Get others to also make calls on Friday!
—
Anthony E. Wright
Health Access
1127 11th St., #234, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916-442-2308, Fx: 916-497-0921
awright@health-access.org