Under Governor Schwarzenegger's healthcare reform package, all Californians would be required to have health insurance. People who don't comply could be penalized. Critics say that's an outrage. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
Governor Schwarzenegger says he believes in shared responsibility, and that everyone should be part of the health insurance system. To make sure, the governor is considering tax liens or fines for those who don't buy insurance. He says the state would have to have a system to track people down.
That's a bad idea, says Anthony Wright, director of the non-profit group Health Access.
Wright : To create a whole new infrastructure for enforcement of an unfair individual mandate, just makes no sense, and we don't imagine it will have a lot of legislative support.
Healthcare reform is a major topic among state lawmakers this year. Both Republicans and Democrats have made their own proposals. Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez's plan will get its first hearing next week.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
