SAN DIEGO – As part of a statewide tour, Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) made a stop at Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center today spotlighting the Assembly-approved bill expanding health care coverage to millions of Californians, including all children.

The Speaker was joined by doctors, hospital workers, union and consumer representatives, and Assemblymember Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista). The Governor was delayed getting to San Diego to do a joint appearance with Speaker Núñez.

“I think the Governor and I have demonstrated that the failure of the last 90 years in the state of California to reform our broken health care system wasn’t enough for us to turn our backs on the opportunity to reform California’s health care system and once again bring hope and promise to this golden state,” said Speaker Núñez. “Hope that says if you are sick you are going to get the care you need whether you are rich or poor.”

Photos of the Speaker’s visit are attached, and links to audio of Speaker Núñez at today’s event is below.

Speaker Núñez is the principal author of Assembly Bill 1X1, the comprehensive health care bill co-authored by Senate President pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland). AB 1X1 passed the California Assembly Monday on a party line 46-31 vote.

The groundbreaking legislation came together after nearly a year of negotiations between legislative leaders, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and labor, business, health care, and consumer groups. Dozens of organizations have embraced the bill, including the Service Employees International Union, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AARP, California Hospital Association, Safeway, March of Dimes, Children Now, Mental Health Association of California, American Nurses Association of California, California Association of Nurse Practitioners, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA, Blue Shield, and Small Business California.

AB 1X1 incorporates ideas from a number of stakeholders. It relies on a system of shared responsibility between employers, health care providers, consumers, and government agencies. It requires an individual mandate for most Californians, but provides subsidies for Californians earning up to 400% of the federal poverty line. The bill includes significant cost-containment and transparency language, including a requirement that insurance companies spend no more than 15 cents of every dollar on administrative costs. Those with pre-existing conditions are guaranteed coverage under the plan, and all children will be covered.

It is financed through a combination of fees and taxes to be approved by the voters in a November 2008 ballot initiative that will include a tobacco tax, employer fee assessed along a sliding scale based on annual payroll, a hospital fee, and a county share of cost.

Audio of Speaker Núñez at today’s event:

Speaker Fabian Núñez says the prescription drug component of the health care reform package will reduce the cost of prescription drugs.

Speaker Fabian Núñez says the prevention and wellness programs included in the health care reform package are one of the keys to reducing the overall cost of health care.

Speaker Fabian Núñez says California voters will have the final say on the financing component of the health care reform package.

Speaker Fabian Núñez full statement at today’s San Diego health care event.

Speaker Fabian Núñez answers series of questions from reporters.