Democratic plans to reform California's troubled healthcare system appear to be going full speed ahead in the state legislature. Next stop, after legislative approval, would be negotiations with Governor Schwarzenegger. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
The Democratic proposals would require businesses to provide health insurance to their workers, or pay into a state fund for the uninsured.
The plans don't require all Californians to have health insurance, one of the key elements of Governor Schwarzenegger's reform package.
Sabrina Lockhart is the governor's deputy press secretary. She says Schwarzenegger is ready to make a deal.
Lockhart : The governor has said from the outset that everything is on the table; he's willing to negotiate. He says that his plan is the starting point for negotiations. And the governor's optimistic that this summer, we're poised to have meaningful reform.
Democratic leaders agree, but it's not clear how much they're willing to compromise. Republican lawmakers complain they've been shut out.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
