Our current system of healthcare is dragging our economy down. It is essential that we commit to a universal and fundamental right to health care for every Californian. Without a permanent, fair and cost effective solution, our economy will continue to founder and the number of uninsured will keep rising.

I spent four years as a nurse for the Sonoma County Crisis Clinic and I understand the complexity of this issue. I spent another 20 years as the head of a local union where I had to provide health care for my workers and fight for benefits for my members. I understand the difficulty of this task, but I believe the solution is clear and simple.

I support SB 810, Senator Leno’s Plan to provide universal healthcare for all of California. I also support the Obama Administration’s efforts to reform our healthcare system with a public option. A public option would unshackle individuals from the mercy of private health insurance companies and give them leverage and an alternative that might better suit their needs. It also would force insurance companies to compete with the government thereby reducing costs within the system overall.

Both of these solutions are complementary and will rein in escalating health care costs and provide quality, affordable insurance for all who need it. Under the current system, individuals and companies must spend too much of their own money on healthcare; reform will allow them the opportunity to spend their hard-earned money on improving themselves, their families, and/or their companies.

In the Assembly, I will support:

• SB 810, Senator Leno’s Universal Healthcare Bill; if it is not passed and signed by the Governor in
  this legislative session, I will support the bill when it comes before me as a newly-elected
  Assemblymember.
• Efforts that move us to universal healthcare here in California.
• Conte availability of alternative care such as chiropractic & acupuncture.
• Preventive care and healthcare screening for children.