Single-Payer Healthcare Champion Endorses Saldaña for Congress

Single-Payer Healthcare Champion Endorses Saldaña for Congress

“So long as Republicans continue hold fast to policies that are destroying America's middle class, we need to send a powerful Progressive voice like Lori’s to Washington."

SANTA MONICA – Former State Senator Sheila Kuehl, a champion for single-payer healthcare coverage in California, has endorsed Lori Saldaña’s run for Congress.

Kuehl and Saldaña were colleagues in the Legislature during California’s vigorous healthcare debate in 2006-2007, a debate pre-dating federal battle by several years. Both lawmakers saw the need to revise the healthcare system allow access to the largest number of uninsured Californians through a public option.

“Lori was an early and vocal supporter of my "Medicare For All” single-payer healthcare legislation, Kuehl said.

Medicare For All is considered a model for any efforts to provide a public option at the federal level. Saldaña is also endorsed Mark Leno who has continued Kuehl's efforts on single -payer in California.

“I've endorsed Lori Saldana because in the state legislature she amassed an impressive record of important accomplishments, including legislation on energy efficiency, consumer protection and sensible gun control measures,” Kuehl said.

“So long as Republicans continue hold fast to policies that are destroying America's middle class, we need to send a powerful Progressive voice like Lori’s to Washington.”

Kuehl’s support adds to Saldaña’s growing list of endorsements by leading elected officials that includes Congresswoman and Former Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, State Treasurer John Chiang, State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, State Senator Mark Leno. Saldaña other endorsements include former City Councilmember Donna Fry, the American Federation of Teachers and the Point Loma, Black Mountain, and La Jolla Democratic clubs.

Saldaña said she was honored by Kuehl’s endorsement.

“Sheila Kuehl is one of California’s most important Progressive leaders,” she said. “Her support means a great deal to me.”

Kuehl, who was the first openly-gay person elected to the Legislature, noted that Saldaña had been active in Sacramento and in her district as an advocate for the rights of LGBT Californians.
“Lori was one of the Legislature’s most reliable allies for equality,” she said.

Saldaña is running in the newly-drawn 52nd Congressional District that includes La Jolla, Poway, Clairemont, Pacific Beach, Point Loma and Coronado.

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