State assembly passes health care legislation

Just when the special legislative session appeared to be fruitless, the Assembly passed a $14.4 billion health care reform plan today on a party-line vote, 45-31. The bill would provide coverage for most uninsured Californians.

Assembly Republican Leader, Mike Villines (R - Clovis) said the bill was "more public relations than policy" while Speaker Fabian Nunez (D - Los Angeles) countered by saying it was not just a publicity stunt. Regardless, the Senate isn't expected to vote on the bill anytime soon, most likely not until the beginning of the year after Governor Schwarzenegger releases his 2008-2009 budget proposal.

Click here to read an article in the Sacramento Bee.