Governor Schwarzenegger addressed a crowd of several hundred red-shirted AARP members at the state Capitol.  He urged them to contact lawmakers—who have just over three weeks left in the legislative session—to finish their business and tackle healthcare. 

 “The time for action has come!  This is the time for action, I’m asking each and every one of you to participate…”

Schwarzenegger referred to a recent Field Poll that says nearly seventy-percent of voters are dissatisfied with the health care system.  It also showed only six percent believe healthcare reform can happen.  Senate President Pro-Tem Don Perata is also skeptical—he says budget negotiations took time away from the issue. 

 “The odds are against us getting something done this year—it doesn’t mean we won’t, but the odds are against us.”

Perata and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez have a healthcare reform plan in the legislature.  Governor Schwarzenegger has also presented his proposals but it is not in the form of legislation.