KERN COUNTY, Calif. (KERO) — Gov. Gavin Newsom will be visiting Kern County Tuesday afternoon to speak about his plan to achieve universal access to healthcare coverage.
According to the Associated Press, the California State Assembly is expected debate the topic Tuesday.
Newsom made the plea for universal healthcare for all regardless of ability to pay or immigration status while in Lamont.
"We have universal healthcare but it's on the back end in the ER room," said Newsom.
The governor said he'd like to see the bill pass by the end of the year. The California State Assembly is currently debating the topic. Newsom said he signed an Executive Order to allow more flexibility in education to allow schools to bring in retirees and to extend substitute teachers to help with staffing shortages. The order is set to expire in March.
Schools are also able to order N95 masks from the state for free.
He also said a top priority is bringing in more staff to help the COVID surge in the Central Valley as well as making more tests available for schools.
Newsom also said the state is looking to manufacture its own insulin to reduce pharmaceutical drug costs.
