For Immediate Release                                                                         June 6, 2007

Contact Sara Rogers (916) 651-4023

SB 840 Passes Senate Floor, heads to Assembly Health

Senator Sheila Kuehl invites Filmmaker Michael Moore and patient witnesses to Legislative briefing next Tuesday discussing the soon to be released documentary “SiCKO”

Large Rally to follow featuring Moore, Kuehl and the California Nurses Association National premiere for “SiCKO” follows later that evening at the CREST Theater

SACRAMENTO -- The California Universal Health Care Act, SB 840, which establishes a single payer universal health care system in California, passed the Senate Floor by a vote of 22-14 (final vote of 24-16 expected) and now heads to the California State Assembly.

SB 840 covers every California resident with comprehensive health benefits, contains the growth in health care spending, and provides patients with total choice over their doctors and hospitals.

“California is leading the nation on health care reform with passage of SB 840,” stated Senator Kuehl.  “This is the gold standard for health reform and the only way to achieve the kind of health care system that Californians want and deserve”.

Next Tuesday, Senator Kuehl, chair of the Senate Health Committee, will chair a legislative briefing featuring filmmaker Michael Moore and three witnesses who star in Moore’s upcoming film “SiCKO”.

Moore’s documentary is an up-close view of America’s crumbling health care system and what the health care crisis has meant in real terms for many insured Americans.

“This film will hopefully serve as a wake up call about the way that insurance companies are mismanaging our healthcare system”, stated Senator Kuehl.  “It shows that insurance companies don’t really want to improve care, they simply exist to avoid risk.  As a result the system doesn’t work for those who have any kind of medical risk.  Sooner or later that is every one of us.”

“Important documentaries like Michael Moore’s film lead people to want to get involved”, stated Senator Kuehl, “SiCKO supports the growing feeling in California that single payer universal health care is inevitable.”

The briefing will take place on Tuesday, June 12th from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm at the State Capitol Room 4203.  All media and press are invited to attend.  The briefing will be viewable at multiple locations around the capitol.

 A rally, sponsored by the California Nurses Association, will take place at 2:00 on the West Steps of the Capitol.

Return to : Press Releases