Gavin Christopher Newsom (born October 10, 1967) is an American politician and businessman who is the 40th governor of California, serving since January 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 49th lieutenant governor of California from 2011 to 2019 and as the 42nd mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011.
Political Notes: Campos, Haney spar over universal health care
With California lawmakers advancing a bill to create a universal health care system in the state, the issue has the two leading candidates in the special election for a San Francisco state Assembly seat sparring over who would be a stronger advocate for the legislation in Sacramento.
The Assembly Health Committee January 11 passed Assembly Bill 1400, co-authored by bisexual Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose), to create a single-payer health care system known as CalCare.
Lead author Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) worked with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Los Angeles) on setting up a separate funding mechanism also being reviewed by lawmakers — ACA 11 — to pay for AB 1400 via a tax on large businesses and people earning incomes of over $150,000.
While Governor Gavin Newsom has spoken in favor of universal health care, it remains to be seen if he will support either piece of legislation.
