The measure is co-authored by the two top Democratic lawmakers in the State:  Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata.  Nunez told the committee it’s not perfect, but it’s a start toward covering the uninsured:

“3.4 million people are going to have access to healthcare.  That’s something to be proud about.”

The bill covers all kids, and requires employers to either provide healthcare, or pay into a state fund.  That’s the part that has Republicans steamed.  They call it a tax.  Lorraine Salazar owns several Mexican restaurants in the Central Valley.  She says the bill would destroy her bottom line:

“I will have to close a location, I will have to tell 35-40 employees that I cannot afford to employ them anymore because of some well-intentioned legislation.”

Governor Schwarzenegger – who has his own plan – has said he looks forward to spending time over the next few months hashing out a compromise.