Earlybird hearing on business owner contribution to health care access
set Monday

June 22, 2006

Early risers will be heard Monday before a City hearing on how much business owners should pay to make universal health care access viable.

The hearing begins at 8:00 a.m., historically the earliest a committee of the Board of Supervisors has comported itself, according to Supervisor Tom Ammiano legislative aide Zachary Tuller.

Members of the Budget Committee yesterday agreed to the early start to accomodate broad interest in the issue even as the committee enters the final two weeks of protracted City budget discussions.

Legislation author Ammiano called for the Monday hearing after introducing amendments to the proposed Worker Health Care Security Act.

With negotiations still underway, amendments include changes sought by business owners - such as expanding payment options - and tightening the ordinance to make it harder for employers to avoid payment, Tuller told the Sentinel.

Although one-minute public comment was legally required Wednesday, the full hearing Monday is scheduled in Board Chambers of City Hall.

####