State health care reform debate continues into the new year

This week I attended several workgroups to discuss the Speaker's health care proposal which creates a state-wide health care pool for all public employees. The labor organizations are still opposed to the legislation, and there is a tight timeline to accomplish something before we get bogged down in budget negotiations and the 2010 election.  Late last year the Senate also introduced their own version of health care reform that would require a public employee to pay 20% of thier health care premium of 15% if the insurance plan includes wellness incentives and a health savings account. The Senate is looking to move relatively quickly as well, so it looks like the first few months of the new year will be health care intensive.  Happy New Year!