Bee, Mercury News Urge Senate: Pass Health Care Reform Now

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Two of the state's major newspapers today are running editorials urging the State Senate to pass the Nunez/Perata health care plan.

The Bee writes:

"It doesn't happen often that a Republican governor comes together with Democrats to craft a health care overhaul that is supported by hospitals, business coalitions, health care advocates and right-minded unions and consumer groups. This is an opportunity that the Senate, and the state, can't afford to pass up. Pass AB X1 1. Don't blow this chance."

It also takes a well-deserved shots at opponents:

"To date, the California Nurses Association and the Foundation for Consumer and Taxpayer Rights have been the most relentless critics. They are snuggled up with some odd bedfellows. Lurking in the shadows is the tobacco industry, which has been lobbying to kill a key element of the plan -- a proposed tobacco tax that would help expand coverage. It's a sad day in Sacramento when nurses and self-styled consumer advocates are joining with cigarette merchants and some insurers to kill a delicately crafted deal on health care reform."

With a headline of "Health Care Inaction More Costly Option," The Mercury News also weighs in favor of AB 1x:

"Californians have repeatedly said in polls that they want the state to enact comprehensive health care reforms. ABX1 1 has already passed the Assembly and has the backing of Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez. The Senate Health Committee shouldn't block voters from having the final say."