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Mishmash of Priorities Hampers California Healthcare Reform

Consumer advocates are wondering what's next with healthcare reform. Governor Schwarzenegger says he'll veto a Democratic reform bill, and call a special session of the legislature to deal with the is

Mishmash of Priorities Hampers California Healthcare Reform

Consumer advocates are wondering what's next with healthcare reform. Governor Schwarzenegger says he'll veto a Democratic reform bill, and call a special session of the legislature to deal with the issue. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Both Democratic leaders and the governor want to expand access to healthcare for California's children. But beyond that, a broad divide remains.

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The governor wants to require all Californians to be insured. Democrats want to make sure coverage is affordable. Another issue is how much employers will have to pay for health coverage.

Jerry Flanagan is with the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights .

Flanagan : How much are the Democrats willing to give up, and how much does Schwarzenegger really want to get something out of the legislature? I think right now, it's a 50-50 equation of whether or not something more significant than universal healthcare for kids survives.

Depending out the outcome of the special session, lawmakers may place a healthcare reform measure on next year's ballot.

Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.