Raul Ramirez, Director
News and Public Affairs
KQED Public Radio

Dear Mr. Ramirez:

Thank you for contacting my office regarding healthcare issues in California.

I absolutely support funding for pharmacy assistance programs and support an increase in income taxes, such as the proposal to raise the state tax on California's wealthiest 2%, to fund this and other safety net health programs. Despite the fact that the idea represents a reinstatement of tax levels that were in effect less than five years ago, during the Wilson administration, it didn't have the political support necessary for approval during state budget negotiations.

Expanding health care options for the poor is one of my primary goals as an elected official. I supported $1 billion in additional budget funding for crucial health care programs in this year's state budget, including an expansion of Medi-Cal to families up to 100% of the poverty level and the expansion of Healthy Families low- and no-cost health insurance from "children only" to parents in low- and moderate- income households.

I also supported pay increases for health care providers who contract with Medi-Cal. It is increasingly difficult for these providers to keep their doors open, and additional funding is the only way to keep this vital network intact.

Finally, I'm happy to say we defeated a proposal to completely eliminate cancer research funding. Thus far, the legislature will restore half of the previously budgeted funding for research, and funding I supported for insurance coverage of cancer screening and treatment for low-income men and women has survived cuts.

Battles we lost were additional funding for the expansion of mental health dual diagnosis programs for homeless adults, and $52 million in funding for care for the developmentally disabled. I would also like to see further expansion of Medi-Cal and the Healthy Families program to include all residents without health insurance.

Thank you for taking the time to write me about your concerns. As always, I value your input.

Sincerely,

DON PERATA