California’s single-payer bill, AB 1400, did not get a critical vote on the Assembly floor on January 31, 2022.
According to the bill’s main author, Assemblyman Ash Kalra, he did not have the votes to win and believed the best choice was to pull it.
Three thoughts for California single-payer supporters
1. Kalra’s decision was not a concession. It was a tactic.
In a statement Kalra wrote:
“I have been honored to shepherd this bill through the legislature…Especially with four democratic vacancies in the Assembly, the votes were not there today, but we will not give up. —Ash Kalra
In a KALW radio interview Kalra explained:
“We did not have near the number of votes — a double-digit deficit — which would have been incredibly damaging for future prospects…. I get that folks want to hold folks accountable today, but the reality is, we need this to pass tomorrow.” —Ash Kalra
2. Kalra set the stage for future success.
By stepping back at critical moments now and in the past, Kalra has laid the groundwork for key political advancements.
For example in 2021, he delayed advancing the bill. Later that same year, long-time single-payer opponents Senator Jim Wood and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon reversed their positions.
They are now on record in support of single-payer, a significant win.
3. Our next steps are important.
A. We must come together to support the legislators and organizational allies who are with us.
In-fighting among single-payer supporters is exactly what corporate healthcare loves!
B. We need sufficient funding to counter the fear-mongering campaigns the corporate healthcare lobby (our true enemy) will bring to bear on our next single-payer bill, just like they did on AB 1400.
Fortunately, California is home to three major healthcare foundations with missions to improve everyone’s health and make sure everyone can afford healthcare, including long term care, mental health, dental, and much more.
These well-funded foundations have the assets required to build critical community capacity and an educational campaign to advance single-payer health policy in the Golden State. Engaging them in the fight for healthcare equity is our goal.
C. We must continue our work! There is so much to do.
Even though polls show widespread support for single-payer healthcare in California, we still need to educate and organize the state.
California OneCare and our programs HEAL California and Code WACK! will continue working to expand our influence on social and streaming media and set the record straight on single-payer!
Although the outcome for AB 1400 was not what we wanted, we must keep our eyes on the prize.
Building a powerful and cohesive ground and air campaign to win single-payer here in our state is the path to success.
HEAL California is an independent news and information hub focused on the Medicare for All movement.
With non-partisan news, views, podcasts and videos, we highlight the on-going injustices of our broken healthcare system and amplify the voices of those who are most impacted by it.
Our Podcasts shine a light on the failures of America’s healthcare system, while explaining how Medicare for All could help.
Our Media page offers connections to experts and additional resources including links to legislation and studies.
Keep up with the Medicare for All movement!
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe for email updates.