BILL NUMBER:  AB 1600
  VETOED	DATE: 09/29/2010




To the Members of the California State Assembly:
I am returning Assembly Bill 1600 without my signature.
This is the fourth time that I have vetoed this measure.  In addition
to the concerns that I have consistently cited over the last three
vetoes regarding the overall rising cost of healthcare and lack of
affordability for employers and individuals struggling to keep their
existing coverage, I am now able to add a new concern.  The federal
health reform provisions that take effect in 2014 will require states
to pay the entire cost of mandates that go above and beyond the
definition of "essential benefits."  This bill certainly requires a
higher level of service than contemplated on a federal level and as
such, will mandate California to spend new General Fund dollars for
these benefits.
I cannot agree to a significant expenditure of new funds when we are
struggling to provide basic levels of coverage to our most needy and
fragile populations.
Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger