Anthony Wright is executive director of Health Access California.

“It’s hard to overstate how big health reform is to California.” 
 
Wright says California has the most people without health insurance in the country. He says the president’s leadership can bring needed help.

“We have a framework that allows people to keep the coverage they have but also have new options and prevent the insurers from denying people for pre-existing conditions.” 

Obama’s indentified other priorities: boosting health technology and controlling costs for patients and businesses. His plans will likely face opposition from Republicans who question the costs.
 
Wright says California is in a good position to shape the health care debate given the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.