Posted on 01/21/2007 4:44:53 AM PST by radar101
In fact, the Assembly Republican leader chimed in hours before the governor even released his plan to cover the state's 6.5 million uninsured residents.
Villines criticized a core element that the governor's plan shares with Democratic plans: a requirement that employers cover workers or pay a fee.
"Health care is just one more big, big burden put on the back of a small-business owner," he said, labeling the employer mandate a "jobs tax."
How Villines wields his newfound power could determine the course of negotiations this year in the Capitol.
"We've just been abused up there and we just need to stop being whipping boys, and I think Mike is the one that can position us as strong as we can be positioned," said Michael Der Manouel Jr., a Republican activist and chairman of the Lincoln Club of Fresno County.
But others say Villines would be foolish to take too hard a stand.
"The worst thing for the legislative Republicans (to do) is to pick a fight with an extremely popular governor," said Tony Quinn,
A 39-year-old former public relations executive, the affable Villines hardly comes across as a bulldog. His approach so far has been to ratchet up the dialogue with the governor and with Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, D-Los Angeles.
Núñez, who has implored Republicans to get on the "bipartisan bus," said: "I actually have been very impressed with Mike. ... He's very focused on making sure that he's reaching out to me."
No matter how aggressive he is, Villines' power is limited.
Most bills can sail through the Democratic-dominated Legislature with no Republican votes. However, the state budget requires two-thirds approval, as would a plan by Schwarzenegger to place a $29.4 billion bond package on the ballot for courthouses, schools and water storage.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
The state government should tack a 7.5% cost on money transfers to Mexico and use it to supply hospitals with money they cant get from illegals.
bttt
LOL! Not too hard, just stay where you are as the governor continues his hard left "tack".
Hey, Fabian! Will ya let the Republicans drive the bus? I thought not.
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