Report on Vermont's Single Payer Movement

While the passage of Vermont's Single Payer health care bill is historic, the reality appears more vague and uncertain than the headlines suggest. The legislation calls for implementation by 2017 and, according to Mr. Bechler, there is nothing written on what this legislation will contain or how it will work.

There have been rumors in activist circles that the Vermont bill might "water down" the effect of the legislation by making a major health care corporation - rather than the government - the "single payer" administrator, violating a basic principle of getting profit-making companies out of designing and administering health care policies. What will be provided in the coverage that Vermont residents get is completely up in the air.

Mr. Bechler gives the opinion that California's legislation is in some ways further along because specifics on what will be covered are written and fit the framework of the more effective health care systems through the industrialized world. California’s legislation was first introduced in 2005. It has again been presented in 2011 as SB810, which makes it about the fifth time the very specific bill has been presented. However, we haven't been able to get this legislation passed. It passed the State Legislature twice, both time vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger, who rightfully took blame. So the next step was to get a Democrat elected and then pass it.

However, last year, with Democratic Governor Brown in office, SB810 introduced by San Francisco Senator Mark Leno, did not get to a full legislative vote. Mr. Bechler explains that the 2009-2010 bill passed the Senate. Then, head of the Assembly, Democrat John Perez, reportedly told Senator Leno that he wanted Single Payer legislation not to come up for a vote that year, because it might hurt moderate Democrats in their re-election bids. The same kind of nonsense that we keep hearing about in the Obama administration and on other California issues that Democrats purported to support before Governor Brown. Mr. Bechler explains that, while we have the same number of Democrats in office, that they appear to be generally more conservative.

California activists are talking about putting up a ballot initiative in 2014. Senator Leno had predicted this, explaining that - sadly enough - all major legislative initiatives that pass do so through these privatized initiatives. However, until certain benchmarks are reached (money raised, influential organizations supporting, etc.) that might show indicators of an opportunity for success, the focus is on passing SB810. We're also told to expect a legal challenge by the health care corporations whenever legislation does pass.

So we have a long and complex fight ahead. You can read more, including how to get involved, at singlepayernow.net.