It includes members of CalPERS, which is the largest health insurance benefit program in the state, judges that enforce regulations and statutes, and all the other agencies, boards and commissions that affect workers and health policy. In the present configuration who sits as governor can effectively determine the policies that have life and death impacts. A governor in the pocket of corporate healthcare is a governor that will further erode the quality of patient care in California. We operate within the current political reality and play the hand we are dealt with as best we can. The present political setup is often frustrating.
Big money talks much too loud in the politics of our country.
Corporate influence as demonstrated by the huge sums the healthcare industry has poured into realizing its goals each legislative session extends deeply into both major parties. We should redouble our efforts to build new and creative political alliances. Working people must clearly express their interests and expand the boundaries of political discourse to include universal healthcare, labor law that protects workers and full economic opportunity. What follows on the pages of this special election issue of the California Nurse are CNA s recommendations for the November 3 General Election. We fully intend to follow through with every official elected and monitor his or her voting records and performance in office.