Digital News Report – (Sacramento, CA) – Senate Constitutional Amendment 29, authored by Senator Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) was heard in the Senate Health Committee today. It failed by a vote of 3-6.
If passed, SCA 29 would have ensured California voters have the final say regarding any attempt at a federal or state government takeover of healthcare. Specifically, SCA 29 would have prohibited any state or federal statute or program enacted on or after January 1, 2010 from taking effect in California until it has been approved by voters.
“The federal healthcare plan recently approved by President Obama and Congress will cost over one trillion dollars and a state-run plan – which makes purchasing your own private health insurance illegal – will cost three times the state budget.” Senator Strickland said. “When it comes to something as personal as choosing their family doctor, the people of California deserve to have the final say.”
“California’s economy is in need of reform and during a time when we face a $20 billion budget deficit, the people of California should be able to choose whether or not they want to pay for a costly healthcare program,” Senator Strickland continued. “I’m disappointed the Democrats in Sacramento have rejected a measure which would give California voters the final veto power to determine if the federal healthcare bill is what they want.”
Tony Strickland represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.
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