Assm. Jim Wood, co-chair of assembly committee holding hearings on statewide universal health care.

From the office of Assemblymember Jim Wood:

Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) is aware that advocates of SB 562, the bill proposing a single payer health care system, are planning a “die in” at each of his district offices on Wednesday, September 13.

[Ed. note: For details on the Eureka version of this, scheduled to run from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, see this Facebook event page.]

“I recognize the passion of these advocates and will always advocate for their right to voice their opinions,” said Wood. “Although SB 562 was held in the Assembly this year, solutions to move toward universal health care are in the works, and I hope these advocates are not stuck on this one solution to achieve health care for all.”

In February, prior to the introduction of SB 562, Wood, a dentist, and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, an emergency room physician, requested Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon create a select committee to address this complex issue. This committee, the Select Committee on Health Care Delivery Systems and Universal Coverage, will hold meetings this fall to hear from experts and address some significant details that were not included in SB 562, such as funding mechanisms, quality control and the possible impact of federal action on the Affordable Care Act.

“The legislative sessions ends this Friday and time will not allow SB 562 to be heard,” said Wood. “I hope I will have these advocates’ support as we try to find a quality and sustainable solution to health care for all in California.”