SB 840, the 'Universal Health Care' bill, was passed by the California State Senate on Aug. 31, and would provide health care coverage to all California residents through a state-run, single-payer system, ending the need for private insurance companies.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s promise to veto Senate Bill 840 ensures that the health care system of California will remain privately run.

As a result of the Governor's veto, nearly 7 million Californians will continue to go without any sort of health coverage, and the U.S. will remain one of the only first world countries that does not offer health care to its citizens.

If the bill was signed in to law, premiums would be paid on a sliding scale based on an individual’s income. Each person would be allowed to choose any licensed physician as a health care provider. According the bill’s author Sen. Sheila Kuehl, (D-Santa Monica) the bill would benefit California residents as well as physicians if signed. Read more