The Bush Administration has given their A-OK to Governor Schwarzenegger’s healthcare reform package. In San Diego on Wednesday, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Levitt said the federal government will do what it can do help. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
Secretary Levitt made the announcement in a joint San Diego appearance with the governor. Levitt applauded the governor’s plan to expand access to healthcare access for more Californians. And he said the federal government was willing to give the state nearly $3.5 billion dollars to further the effort.
Governor Schwarzenegger was grateful. He said his close relationship with the Bush Administration has paid off.
Schwarzenegger : This is why this has been extremely important -- that we have, you know, for the last two years, communicated and worked together.
The governor still needs to sell his package to state lawmakers. Critics say the plan doesn’t guarantee coverage will be affordable to all Californians. But the governor insists his proposal will provide health insurance at a reasonable price.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
(Photo: U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt joined Governor Schwarzenegger as he signed Executive Order. Governor's Press Office ).
