FRESNO, CA (KMJ) -The vote on the Republican plan to overhaul Obamacare is delayed, as Republicans try to gather more votes – but Democratic leaders in California are still concerned.
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein joined U.S. Senator Kamala Harris and Governor Jerry Brown, on a conference call Tuesday June 26th, less than two just hours before the Republican stalled Friday’s vote on – to blast the healthcare bill.
“It turns the haves and the have-not’s against each other, ” said Senator Feinstein, calling it a “junk” plan.
This week, the Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would leave 22 million fewer Americans with health insurance by 2026.
Senator Kamala Harris and Governor Brown, said the wealthiest Americans – the one percent – will benefit in the form of tax breaks at the expense of the poor.
Governor Brown called the bill a “very divisive hateful” piece of legislation. “Millions and millions of people are going to suffer… it’s really bad….it’s toxic.” – Governor Jerry Brown.
Senator Kamala Harris says the bill “has been nothing short of a disaster,” and calling it “insidious” that is gives states a loophole to treatment for preexisting conditions, which range from emergency services to mental health and substance abuse treatment and pregnancy care. “California deserves better,” said Harris, says the bill will leave 15 million Americans uninsured, next year, and that Republicans are trying to rush it thru Congress with no debate, and no hearing.
Five million children depend on Medi-Cal, or there is no health care, says Feinstein. “If this bill passes, we will see the three big children’s hospitals in the state – LA, the Valley and UC – have great difficulty surviving without the Medi-Cal because of virtually all of these children that go there are on Medi-Cal,” said Senator Diane Feinstein.
Governor Brown and Senators Feinstein and Harris are all urging Californians to call their representatives and make their voices heard.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
