Legislative Session Ends with Qualified Success

2007-2008 Legislative Session-Chaos and Compromise
Sam Smith
CAHU VP Public Relations

While the majority of Californians enjoyed the Labor Day holiday, both the California State Senate and Assembly were busy doing what they do best (and what that actually is would be good fodder for debate). In describing the closing hours of this session, Assemblyman Roger Niello, a Republican from California's 5th district summed it up best when he reminded us of Mark Twain's famous comment that "those who are interested in the law or sausage should never watch either being made!" On the last night of the Assembly session, over 100 bills were taken up on the floor of the Assembly in just a few hours. In the words of Assemblymember Niello, "it should be illegal to have this much fun!"

SB 1522 (Steinberg)
Of specific interest to the members of the California Association of Health Underwriters on the floor of the Assembly was SB 1522 (Steinberg), the measure that would have established 5 categories of individual health insurance and in the process set in motion unintended consequences that would have dismantled or greatly eroded our individual health insurance market. On Friday, August 29th, in a tie vote with 4 Democratic members voting against the measure (Assembly Majority Floor Leader Albert Torrico (D-20th), Cathleen Galgiani (D-17th), Felipe Fuentes (D-39th) and Jose Solorio (D-69th), SB 1522 failed on a 36-36 tie vote. The measure was later resurrected on a motion to reconsider by Assemblymember Dave Jones (D-9th). The next day, August 30th, the motion to reconsider passed on a 47-28 vote with all Democrats voting in favor and the bill seemed poised to sail through to a final vote for passage. Upon passage, the bill needed to go back to the Senate for concurrence with Assembly amendments. Then, on to the Governor. On August 31st, with the bill on the calendar and ready for final passage, the vote was delayed in the Assembly. Meanwhile, the Senate abruptly adjourns for the day at 1 pm. With the Senate adjourned and concurrence not possible before the August 31st deadline for passage, SB 1522 languished and never came to a final vote, essentially killing the bill. A circumstantial victory, but a victory none the less!

SB 840 (Kuehl)
In the Senate meanwhile, SB 840 (Kuehl) Single Payer, the Senators concurred with the Assembly amendments and the bill is on its way to the Governor where a similar measure was previously vetoed by Schwarzenegger.

SB 1440 (Kuehl)
The Senate also concurred with significant Assembly amendments on this measure that requires health care plans to spend at least 85 percent of premiums on medical care an sent it on to the Governor. In light of the significant changes made to this bill in the closing days of the session, there is a much more likely chance the Governor will sign this legislation.

At the moment, the Governor is keeping his pen in his drawer and refusing to sign any bill until the legislature sends him a budget. After setting a modern day record for lack of action on a budget and no compromise in sight, it is any one's guess how the story will play out.

Let there be no doubt, this legislative session is an outstanding example of the need for redistricting reform and for a Yes vote on Prop 11. To say the least, we found new meaning in the phrase "saved by the bell"!