Gov, Nunez Forge A Health Care Plan (ArnoldCare Still DOA Alert)

Los Angeles Times ^ | 12/15/2007 | Jordan Rau

[goldstategop]

That bill does not contain the taxes or other measures that would provide the $14 billion a year needed to finance the ambitious overhaul and would not take effect unless the ballot measure passed. That puts Democratic lawmakers in the highly unusual position of voting on the plan without being able to assess whether the intricate financing scheme will be adequate. Republicans have vowed to vote against the measure.

The moves came as Schwarzenegger promised to call an emergency session of the Legislature for early January to make cuts to the state's budget. The governor's office estimates the projected gap may reach as high as $14 billion by July 2009, which is threatening to sap political momentum from the healthcare plan.

On Thursday, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) said that while he supported most of the Nuñez- Schwarzenegger plan, he intends to delay a Senate vote on the measure until the governor outlines how his proposed budget cuts will affect existing healthcare programs for the poor and disabled.

[goldstategop]

The Governator and Fabian Nunez may have struck a deal between them. Two things however, ensure ArnoldCare is still DOA: the refusal of the GOP to vote for the taxes required to finance it and the state budget deficit. I'd say the odds are its still not going to make it to next November's ballot and on the slim chance it does, voters are not going to approve a new entitlement when California's state government can't even balance its own books. For what its worth, the $14 billion a year need to finance ArnoldCare is the size of the official budget deficit for the coming year and its true costs are probably several times the provided figure. For every conceivable reason, ArnoldCare violates every principle of good government and individual responsibility.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Signalman]

Part of this plan is to make companies pay a tax of up to 6% of their payroll (depending on the size of the company) which, as we all know, will simply be added on to the cost of the goods and services the company provides to the consumer. This will drive even more companies out of CA.

Another socialist boondoggle by Gov. RINO and the Democratic controlled legislature. All I can say is, “Don’t blame me, I voted for Tom McClintock.”

[goldstategop]

Higher payroll taxes will simply lead to more companies shutting their doors in California, saddling the state with even higher budget deficits. California is a trend-setter laboratory for liberalism's worse excesses. You ain't seen nothin' yet.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[DoughtyOne]

You’re right on target. Thanks for the post and comments.

Schwarzenegger needs to go. NOW

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

ArnoldCare violates every principle of good government and individual responsibility.

So of course it becomes the highest priority for the Dems and the governor.

I'd love to see these clowns try to run a cotton farm with their own money under the current laws they have passed or not revoked (inlcuding the water restrictions handed down by federal judges). No cheating by asking for handouts, either.

If they made a profit after five years, they could run for office again.