One Vote, One Request For Info

The health care reform debate is the big buzz this afternoon at the state Capitol. But only one chamber will vote on a proposed $14 billion overhaul, while the leader of the other chamber is asking for more information on how all of this will impact the state's already ailing finances.

The Assembly is convening at this hour to consider a health care reform proposal that represents a deal between Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Boiled down, the deal creates an employer-based health reform model where most people would be required to carry insurance and employers would either pay for coverage or pay into a new statewide purchasing pool.

The bill under consideration, however, doesn't include language on how to pay for health care reform; that part of the deal -- a combo of employer fees, hospital fees, and a higher tobacco tax-- will have to appear on the ballot as an initiative.

But the deal still needs the state Senate. And today, Senate President pro Tem Don Perata signaled he needs more time.

The Oakland Democrat today sent a letter to Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill asking her to do a formal examination of how the health care reform plan would impact the state's ailing finances. The state could come up as much as $14 billion short over the next 18 months, and Perata says he's worried this plan could exacerbate the problem.

"This analysis, combined with the governor's proposed budget," said Perata in a written statement, "will help determine how we can move forward in a fiscally responsible manner."

That doesn't sound like a deal will happen by this Friday -- the deadline Nunez says must be met in order to get the health care financing initiative on next November's ballot. And those differing interpretations may end up being the real story once today's early actions come to an end.