PDA Statement on California’s “AB1400: Guaranteed Health Care for All” Failure to Receive a Vote in the Assembly
Dr. Bill Honigman, National Coordinator, PDA Healthcare Issue Organizing Team, and State Coordinator, PDA California
Alan Minsky, Executive Director, Progressive Democrats of America
Mike Thaller, President, PDA-CA
Dorothy Reik, President, Progressive Democrats of the Santa Monica Mountains
Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) Statement on the Failure of AB1400: Guaranteed Health Care for All to be Brought to a Floor Vote
Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) joins our many coalition partners in profound sadness and disappointment that the current effort to move legislation forward to establish Healthcare Justice in California, AB1400, was pulled by its author yesterday before receiving a vote on the floor of the Assembly, which has a Democratic super-majority, due to a lack of support.
It is shocking, given the profound need for Health Care, particularly at this time of emergent need due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Still, we are not surprised.
For over 100 years, Californians have made similar noble efforts and failed due to the undue influence of commercial interests that have supported the unjust status quo. This time was no different. Except this time those who opposed, or hid from the issue, were more exposed.
Clearly, the silver lining in this temporary defeat is the opportunity to see the path before us, and the motivation it provides. Therefore, today, we call for these three steps to build a movement that will achieve Universal Single-Payer Health Care in California and the country.
First, we must grow the movement by expanding our own organization and all partner organizations for a bigger, more united front against these entrenched interests. For PDA, that means expanding our reach both inside and outside the Democratic Party.
Second, we must identify, elevate, and support more champions for the cause, willing to run for office on this and related progressive issues, at any and all levels of public office.
Finally, we must work with absolute resolve to overcome and overwhelm the corrupting influence of money in politics, displacing it with people power.
Today was a sad day for Healthcare Justice in California, and by extension perhaps the entire country. However, it was a great day to reaffirm our commitment to moral cause in this struggle, and to acknowledge that the struggle will continue. Onward!
Talking Points:
- Disappointment in line with history of failed efforts going back over 100 years to do the right thing for all Californians. Call to action to build our movement by:
- Growing progressive organizations and coalitions inside and outside the Democratic Party
- Supporting and electing more champions at all levels of public office
- Absolute determination to overcome and overwhelm the corrupting influence of money in politics with the power of the people
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