09/11/2007   GAAS:717:07   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governor Schwarzenegger Calls Special Sessions to Complete Key Reform Measures

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today called the Legislature into special sessions to complete work on two issues: enacting comprehensive health care reform and ensuring a safe, clean and reliable water supply.

“These issues are vital to our state and the quality of life of all Californians. We made great progress on both fronts but budget negotiations took two months longer than we thought and we ran out of time.  We owe it to the people of California to finish our work on these important reforms. I have met with the legislative leaders and I have no doubt that if we put in the extra time and effort – and if we have the will – we can achieve the results that the people of California expect and deserve.”

Earlier this year, Governor Schwarzenegger unveiled the most comprehensive health care reform initiative in the nation, which will bring accessible, efficient and affordable health care to every Californian. His plan addresses our broken health care system and the hidden tax that every insured Californian pays to subsidize the uninsured – without putting the entire financial burden on employers. By promoting health and wellness, covering the uninsured and increasing affordability, California can create a model that the rest of the nation can follow.  

“Californians cannot wait for reform.  Just a few hours ago a report was released that said health insurance premiums continue to take more money out of families’ pocketbooks and employers’ bottom lines - at a rate faster than wage growth or inflation,” said Governor Schwarzenegger.

Improving California's water system, to ensure a reliable water supply for both our environment and our economy, is a top priority for the Governor.  A recent federal court ruling significantly restricted water deliveries taken from the Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta to the Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern California, which could lead to a more than 30 percent reduction in water supply and possibly result in mandatory rationing.  At the same time, California’s population continues to grow, placing additional pressures on future water supply reliability.  To protect water supplies for all Californians, the Governor proposed a significant investment in ground and surface water storage, Delta preservation and the development of a new conveyance system.