California Legislators Revive Universal Health Care Bill

Democratic California Assemblyman Ash Kalra has proposed an amendment to the California constitution that would increase taxes to fund a universal health care system for the state. Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 11 would impose an annual tax of 2.3% and a payroll tax of 1% on certain businesses, as well as additional income tax on wealthier state residents. The proposed amendment paves the way for state lawmakers to begin moving forward with AB 1400, a separate bill introduced in 2021 that would create and set rules for a universal health care system for California. See Los Angeles Times, CBS Sacramento, US News & World Report.