Government-run health care bill would cost Californians $220 billion annually

Today the state Senate failed to listen to California’s citizens and passed SB 810 (Leno, D-San Francisco) with a vote of 22-14. SB 810 creates a new and massive, government-run healthcare program at a cost of $220 billion annually, which is almost three times the current state budget.

“It is shocking to see how out of touch the California Legislature is,” said state Senator Tony Strickland. “At a time when California is facing a 12.4% unemployment rate, a $20 billion deficit, and more cuts are being proposed to education, transportation, and public safety it is unimaginable the legislature would create a new program of this magnitude.”

“SB 810 passed the Senate appropriations committee less than 48 hours after the voters of Massachusetts, one of the most liberal states in the union, elected Republican Scott Brown in response to their strong opposition to the federal healthcare proposal. This bill is even worse than the federal proposal. It removes consumer choice – it makes private health insurance coverage and plans illegal.”

“California has some of the most skilled nurses and doctors, cutting edge research and technology, allowing you to decide how best to handle your family’s healthcare needs; however, if the Democrats have their way, a newly formed government bureaucracy will be making those decisions for you.”

“If you want the compassion of the IRS and the efficiency of the DMV, then this bill is for you.”

Tony Strickland is the Vice-Chair of the Senate Health Committee and represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.