Larry discusses the issues surrounding the current health care debate. Then, AirTalk broadcasts Wednesday evening's Constitutional Convention at the Center for the Preservation of Democracy. Larry Mantle and guests pick apart the present budget system and make specific proposals to change the way California does business.
Health care debate: rising from the pundit ashes
As the fever pitch in town halls across the nation dies down, substantive issues with the current health care proposal remain—concerns the government could replace private insurance with the public option; uneasiness over end-of-life, rationed care; and fear that taxes will rise to pay for the currently uninsured. We continue our health care series with two non-partisan health care experts and open the phones to our listeners’ questions and concerns.
Guests:
Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute
Jerry Flanagan, health care policy director, Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocate group
Les Paul dies
Musician and inventor of the solid-body electric guitar Les Paul has died at the age of 94. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and honored as an inventor and broadcaster, Paul won two Grammys at age 90 for "Caravan" and "69 Freedom Special". His name will forever be associated with Gibson's Les Paul model guitar, played by rock'n'roll greats like Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend.
Guest:
Deke Dickerson, guitarist and columnist for Guitar Player magazine
Is California governable?
OK, we have a budget deal in California but that doesn’t get to the root of the state's fiscal problems. Is it time to change California's constitution so that the budget process isn't a yearly stalemate? AirTalk goes "on the road" to convene its own Constitutional Convention at the Center for the Preservation of Democracy in downtown Los Angeles. Larry Mantle and guests pick apart the present budget system and make specific proposals to change the way California does business. Community Advocates Inc. co-sponsored this event.
Guests:
Martin Hittelman is the President of California Federation of Teachers and member of the American Federation of Teachers’ Higher Education Program and Policy Council.
Jon Coupal is the President of Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and has been involved with multiple state ballot initiatives in the wake of Proposition 13 of 1978, which amended the State Constitution to cap property taxes and imposed greater constraints on legislative attempts to raise property taxes.
Robert Hertzberg, is the co-chair of California Forward, a group that supports tax reform and shifting state and local fiscal responsibilities. He served as Speaker of the California State Assembly from 2000-2002, and is an advocate for renewable energy.
Steve Peace is the former Director of the California Department of Finance and State Senator and current co-chair of the California Independent Voters Network, a non-profit organization focused on independent voter education.
Is California governable? Web-Only Bonus
WEB ONLY BONUS: Audience members ask questions of panelists at AirTalk's mock Constitutional Convention at the Center for the Preservation of Democracy in downtown Los Angeles. Larry Mantle and guests pick apart the present budget system and make specific proposals to change the way California does business.
Jon Coupal is the President of Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and has been involved with multiple state ballot initiatives in the wake of Proposition 13 of 1978, which amended the State Constitution to cap property taxes and imposed greater constraints on legislative attempts to raise property taxes.
Robert Hertzberg, is the co-chair of California Forward, a group that supports tax reform and shifting state and local fiscal responsibilities. He served as Speaker of the California State Assembly from 2000-2002, and is an advocate for renewable energy.
Martin Hittelman is the President of California Federation of Teachers and member of the American Federation of Teachers’ Higher Education Program and Policy Council.
Steve Peace is the former Director of the California Department of Finance and State Senator and current co-chair of the California Independent Voters Network, a non-profit organization focused on independent voter education.