WEBVTT
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Welcome to Pack and Forth, the official podcast of the Physician Association of California.
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We're here to protect the future of private practice.
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This show is for independent physicians, policymakers, and patients.
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Let's dive in.
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Today we're joined by Democratic Assembly Member Damon Connolly, who represents the 12th Assembly District of the Greater North Bay Area.
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Assemblymember Connolly has introduced AB 2457, legislation that builds on last year's credentialing reform by extending it to Medical Managed Care Plans.
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This bill is sponsored by PAC, and we're really grateful that Assemblymember Connolly has agreed to author it.
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Assemblymember Connolly, welcome to PAC and Forth.
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Thanks for having me.
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So very excited to have you here.
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Thank you for taking the time.
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For our audience, uh let them know.
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Very logical next step for PAC for our legislation, for our agenda.
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But also, too, right, you know, something that's very simple, that's something that can be fixed, right?
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It's very reasonable.
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And what AB 1041 did, like so our audience, just a reminder for them, uh, this was standardizing the credentialing application form and process for commercial health plans.
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And what AB245 does, I assume 2457 does, this now brings us into Medi-Cal managed care plans.
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That's right.
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Yeah.
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So we're we'll jump into that here in a bit, but I want the audience to hear from you a little bit, you know, about your background.
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Yeah.
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Uh, you know, you're you're an attorney by trade, uh, been in public service.
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Do you mind educating a little bit about yourself?
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Absolutely.
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And thank you for PAC for all the work you do.
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Thanks for the invitation today.
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Uh, looking forward to working with you and your members on this important legislation.
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Uh, yeah, as you mentioned, I represent uh the beautiful communities of Marin and Sonoma counties uh in Assembly District 12.
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Uh this is my fourth year, and before that, um virtually served in every level of government, uh, starting with the school board when my two daughters were younger.
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I was a city council member, a county supervisor for two terms, where I really uh got into the nuts and bolts of healthcare, right?
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And the social safety net for our communities.
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In fact, that coincided with uh in part with the pandemic as well.
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Um and then came up here after getting elected in 2022.
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And of course, we know one of the main issues affecting our communities is healthcare access, affordability, uh, particularly around uh clinics and most notably um a lot of our rural areas, uh lower income areas, um, more than ever, it's always been an issue, but now more than ever, particularly with some federal threats around funding and the like, um, we're really at a critical stage where we have to uh put a lot of focus on serving those communities.
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Let's unpack some of those issues.
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It's 2026, we've started a new legislative session.
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What are the big health care issues do you think are gonna rise to the top of the public discourse this year?
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And and also this is a campaign season.
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We got a governor's race.
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And how do you think that's gonna impact the healthcare conversation?
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Absolutely.
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I think it's gonna be top of mind uh for voters and certainly thus for candidates and uh representatives alike.
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Um I would dare to say that um uh the threats to Medi-Cal funding um are probably top of uh the heap in terms of issues uh we're taking up this year.
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Um we know uh due to HR1, the big federal budget funding bill, um, that we are going to be seeing drastic cuts.
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Um and so we need to already start planning for those.
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What are the ramifications?
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What does California uh need to do in response?
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And again, it it also is a backdrop of a lot of these issues are longstanding, right?
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When you look at things like uh healthcare access and coverage and availability of physicians, right, for that matter, in rural communities, underserved communities, uh, we're gonna continue to address those with that uh backdrop of the federal challenges as well.
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So, you know, with with yourself assembly member, I mean, you again, you're an attorney by trade, you've been in public service before being within the California legislature.
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How has that experience, um, you know, being an attorney and again public service, how has that helped you navigate, you know, the policy issues, specifically healthcare policy uh here in Sacramento?
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No, great question.
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And and you know, when I ran in 2022, I literally ran um to be the local voice of my communities in Sacramento.
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And where that made sense is because of that background, I've literally served at levels where you see the impacts of policies coming out of Sacramento and Washington.
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Uh, what's working, what's not, um, how people's lives are affected.
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Uh, so it really gives a ground level kind of perspective on the work I try to do here.
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Um what you're seeing is we're already kind of taking action.
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You may have seen, for example, recently uh we did a$90 million supplemental um budget allocation uh toward reproductive health care, uh, which unfortunately is on the chopping block at the federal level.
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So um it's one example of where we're kind of stepping in with some concrete solutions at the state level um in reaction.
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Right.
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So um let's let's talk a little bit to some member about your constituents, right?
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On what what you're hearing from them because you know, our physicians, independent doctors, right, we listen to our patients all the time, right?
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What are what are their pain points?
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What are they like about healthcare and so forth?
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Which which by the way, within your district, I was actually just down in um in Fairfax.
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Nice a couple weeks ago, which by the way, for the audience, if you haven't been to Fairfax, they probably have the best farmers market downtown every single weekend, which was awesome.
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So they've got a great bring your bike.
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Oh, totally, totally some gray riding around there.
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It was it was awesome.
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Um, but you know, with within your district, I mean, as you said, right?
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I mean, you got rural, semi-rural, like very affluent areas as well.
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What are you hearing from your constituents as far as kind of like just their take on healthcare right now?
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Like what what are some of the problems you're hearing from your constituents?
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And you know, them possibly coming up to you and saying, hey, what can you do something to fix this?
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I think there's a real legitimate fear of losing momentum or progress that we've made over the last several years.
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Um, I think California has uh been able to pride itself on providing greater access, uh, for example, without uh reference even to your documentation status, the principle that healthcare uh is a right, not a privilege, a human right.
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And we've got to provide adequate adequate care for those living uh within our communities.
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So the fear we're hearing is that that's gonna be undone, right?
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And it's it's part of a larger concern right now about um how our immigrant communities are being treated or frankly mistreated by the federal government right now.
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We're seeing uh what's going on in our streets.
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Um, you have families scared right now, even to go to school or the clinic.
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Uh, and if they do, is coverage or care even going to be available?
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Um, so I think the real concern is almost a retrenchment toward a time when uh there there wasn't as much access.
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Are we returning to those days?
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Let alone a larger concern really about what how are our institutions faring right now?
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What about democracy?
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Um I think right now our job, uh, I would even say primarily as legislators is making sure that California is standing up for California values, for policies uh that we believe are forward thinking, that that serve people uh where they need it, and it starts with uh healthcare.
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So let's um let's let's talk a little bit um about you know you your bill that you're authoring for us.
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Again, thank you, thank you so much for doing that.
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Yeah.
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Uh AB2457, uh, which by the way, my my little kids, they were when I said that, they go, Oh, wait, 6'7?
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6'7.
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Like, close, close.
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I know my kids are a little bit old for that, but I've been meaning to tune in.
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So So um, you know, diving into you know, like the policy about about that bill, right?
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I mean, this is now a next step and extension to what we did last year that was signed by the governor that is now creating one application, one process for the credentialing process um for those physicians and the plans.
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So it was commercial health plans last year.
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Now we're shifting this and expanding this to Medi-Cal managed health care plans.
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Why why is this bill like something that's important to you?
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And why did you decide to author this bill?
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Yeah, it's not only in relation to what I'm hearing from my own district, but as you may know, I'm actually uh running for state senate uh right now in an even larger district, seven counties, uh, from Golden Gate Bridge to Oregon border along the coast.
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Uh so in effect, I'm hoping to represent an area that has some of the most affluent areas as well as some of the most poverty-stricken areas in the whole state.
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Um, what we are hearing loud and clear, and I hear it every time I go north, is the struggle, particularly amongst clinics, to even attract and retain physicians, right?
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Um, to be able to get uh people the actual care they need.
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So, to my way of thinking, we need to do everything we can to um encourage um qualified physicians to receive the credentials in a streamlined way that will kind of break through that barrier, right?
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It's part of uh the puzzle that we need to solve, um, but it's one I hear about all the time.
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So it was great to um uh kind of combine with your organization and get this going.
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And as you said, it's a follow-up to some really solid work that was done last year as well.
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Well, well, thank you again.
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And and and also too, like I mean, touching on that with you know what um that Senate um district that you're talking about, you know, one of our board members uh who came to Sacramento uh last year to testify for 1041, he's in Eureka.
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Yeah, he's a radiation oncologist, and he spoke firsthand, right?
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On uh and he knows that area very well, right?
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And uh he he spoke firsthand on how this is something where, hey, this needs to be fixed, where it's not just for the physicians themselves, it's for the patients in the area.
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Absolutely.
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Because if the patients want to be able to see someone like him or the other doctors, they need to get this approved.
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Yeah.
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And while we're talking about this need for greater healthcare access and you have to balance that with keeping things affordable.
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And I'm curious, how do you approach that while also looking out for these physicians we were just talking about, who are also small business owners, providing community-based care.
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How do you strike that balance between juggling these issues?
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Yeah, you you have that's what it's all about.
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It is a balance.
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Um, we know that um we've got to make sure you know rate structures actually reflect what physicians need uh to particularly independent physicians to be able to practice in these areas we're talking about, right?
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So I think that message uh has also been received loud and clear as well.
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So I think that's the balance you're talking about.
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And so what's it gonna take, do you think, to get this uh bill over the finish line this year?
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Well, it's gonna take uh building coalitions.
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Um I think making the case, which I think um is easier in this case because it's an add a logical add-on to work that you did uh with the legislature last year.
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Um and I think the timing is right because of the backdrop of all the issues that we're talking about.
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Again, some longstanding, but also some uh frankly created by the chaotic relationship with the federal government right now.
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So I think timing is everything around here, right?
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Um, but I feel good.
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Um, and it's an area I've I've uh kind of had a big concern about uh since I've been up here in Sacramento in um running other healthcare legislation as well.
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So for me, uh it was a natural extension of kind of my own personal interests and values, uh, but also again what I'm hearing both from my current district and those I'm seeking to represent in that larger district as well.
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Totally.
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So and you know, with you know, with PAC, with you know, our physicians, the the independent physicians, um, and it is a you it is a unique uh piece as well, right?
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Because they are small business owners, right?
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Like Alan just said, right?
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I mean, they pay for their overhead costs, they pay for their med mal liability, workers' comp, rent, but also, right, I mean, they're getting reimbursed at a level that's nowhere near as high, whether like if you're within a larger system, right?
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Just um, like you know, the equity there, um, and you know, our members, right, would would would fairly say we're providing just as good, if not better, care and quicker and so forth, right?
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And you know, that's part of the reason why in many cases the only care.
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Correct, right?
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Correct in some of these areas, correct.
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So correct.
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So, like let me let me ask you, I mean, you know, as a a sitting legislator, and this is you know, for not just healthcare um uh interests, but I mean everything as a whole, what is helpful to you uh um currently as an assembly member?
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You know, everyone says, okay, you have interest group, trade associations, lobbyists, and so forth.
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What is helpful to you as the member as far as, hey, this is going to change my mind on something, like policy-wise, or hey, this is going to reinforce something I'm thinking.
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What would you tell the audience?
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I mean, you know, may mainly our physicians, right?
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What is helpful to you on getting that policy across the finish line?
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I think hearing from the uh physicians directly um in every corner of the state.
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There's nothing nothing better uh as a member than hearing from your own constituents or people that are seeing and addressing a problem in your actual area, right?
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So it's very helpful.
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Um, and I've seen this time and again, if folks can't, and everyone's busy, and that's why a great trade group like yours exists as well to largely you know help formulate and speak for.
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But to the extent members can come up and be heard directly.
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Um, this bill is at the beginning of the process.
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Um, as you guys know, from here we'll go through committees, uh, it'll go through kind of a fiscal review through appropriations, uh, then the floor, and then flip uh houses and go through the process again.
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Every step of the way, it's very helpful to hear from those most impacted at the ground level in whatever area you happen to be in.
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Great.
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Well, Assemblymember, again, thank you so much.
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I know you took the time today.
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You just got off the floor.
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Now you got to get back to your district.
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We did.
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Yeah, yeah.
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Listen to your constituents.
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So absolutely.
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So very much thank you so much, Assembly Member.
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Anytime.
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Looking forward to working together and hope we've seen your members up here.
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Absolutely.
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Sounds good.
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Great, thank you.
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Thanks.
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Welcome to Pack and Forth, the official podcast of the Physician Association of California.
00:00:05.360 --> 00:00:07.919
We're here to protect the future of private practice.
00:00:08.240 --> 00:00:12.160
This show is for independent physicians, policymakers, and patients.
00:00:12.320 --> 00:00:13.119
Let's dive in.
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Today we're joined by Democratic Assembly Member Damon Connolly, who represents the 12th Assembly District of the Greater North Bay Area.
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Assemblymember Connolly has introduced AB 2457, legislation that builds on last year's credentialing reform by extending it to Medical Managed Care Plans.
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This bill is sponsored by PAC, and we're really grateful that Assemblymember Connolly has agreed to author it.
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Assemblymember Connolly, welcome to PAC and Forth.
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Thanks for having me.
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So very excited to have you here.
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Thank you for taking the time.
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For our audience, uh let them know.
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Very logical next step for PAC for our legislation, for our agenda.
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But also, too, right, you know, something that's very simple, that's something that can be fixed, right?
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It's very reasonable.
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And what AB 1041 did, like so our audience, just a reminder for them, uh, this was standardizing the credentialing application form and process for commercial health plans.
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And what AB245 does, I assume 2457 does, this now brings us into Medi-Cal managed care plans.
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That's right.
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Yeah.
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So we're we'll jump into that here in a bit, but I want the audience to hear from you a little bit, you know, about your background.
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Yeah.
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Uh, you know, you're you're an attorney by trade, uh, been in public service.
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Do you mind educating a little bit about yourself?
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Absolutely.
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And thank you for PAC for all the work you do.
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Thanks for the invitation today.
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Uh, looking forward to working with you and your members on this important legislation.
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Uh, yeah, as you mentioned, I represent uh the beautiful communities of Marin and Sonoma counties uh in Assembly District 12.
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Uh this is my fourth year, and before that, um virtually served in every level of government, uh, starting with the school board when my two daughters were younger.
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I was a city council member, a county supervisor for two terms, where I really uh got into the nuts and bolts of healthcare, right?
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And the social safety net for our communities.
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In fact, that coincided with uh in part with the pandemic as well.
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Um and then came up here after getting elected in 2022.
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And of course, we know one of the main issues affecting our communities is healthcare access, affordability, uh, particularly around uh clinics and most notably um a lot of our rural areas, uh lower income areas, um, more than ever, it's always been an issue, but now more than ever, particularly with some federal threats around funding and the like, um, we're really at a critical stage where we have to uh put a lot of focus on serving those communities.
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Let's unpack some of those issues.
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It's 2026, we've started a new legislative session.
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What are the big health care issues do you think are gonna rise to the top of the public discourse this year?
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And and also this is a campaign season.
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We got a governor's race.
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And how do you think that's gonna impact the healthcare conversation?
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Absolutely.
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I think it's gonna be top of mind uh for voters and certainly thus for candidates and uh representatives alike.
00:03:35.199 --> 00:03:48.639
Um I would dare to say that um uh the threats to Medi-Cal funding um are probably top of uh the heap in terms of issues uh we're taking up this year.
00:03:48.800 --> 00:03:58.400
Um we know uh due to HR1, the big federal budget funding bill, um, that we are going to be seeing drastic cuts.
00:03:58.479 --> 00:04:02.560
Um and so we need to already start planning for those.
00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:04.639
What are the ramifications?
00:04:04.800 --> 00:04:08.879
What does California uh need to do in response?
00:04:09.039 --> 00:04:14.319
And again, it it also is a backdrop of a lot of these issues are longstanding, right?
00:04:14.400 --> 00:04:32.160
When you look at things like uh healthcare access and coverage and availability of physicians, right, for that matter, in rural communities, underserved communities, uh, we're gonna continue to address those with that uh backdrop of the federal challenges as well.
00:04:32.560 --> 00:04:41.199
So, you know, with with yourself assembly member, I mean, you again, you're an attorney by trade, you've been in public service before being within the California legislature.
00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:53.199
How has that experience, um, you know, being an attorney and again public service, how has that helped you navigate, you know, the policy issues, specifically healthcare policy uh here in Sacramento?
00:04:53.600 --> 00:04:54.399
No, great question.
00:04:54.480 --> 00:05:04.879
And and you know, when I ran in 2022, I literally ran um to be the local voice of my communities in Sacramento.
00:05:05.120 --> 00:05:18.800
And where that made sense is because of that background, I've literally served at levels where you see the impacts of policies coming out of Sacramento and Washington.
00:05:19.120 --> 00:05:24.399
Uh, what's working, what's not, um, how people's lives are affected.
00:05:24.720 --> 00:05:31.199
Uh, so it really gives a ground level kind of perspective on the work I try to do here.
00:05:31.759 --> 00:05:36.879
Um what you're seeing is we're already kind of taking action.
00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:52.720
You may have seen, for example, recently uh we did a$90 million supplemental um budget allocation uh toward reproductive health care, uh, which unfortunately is on the chopping block at the federal level.
00:05:52.879 --> 00:06:02.800
So um it's one example of where we're kind of stepping in with some concrete solutions at the state level um in reaction.
00:06:03.040 --> 00:06:03.279
Right.
00:06:03.600 --> 00:06:07.680
So um let's let's talk a little bit to some member about your constituents, right?
00:06:07.839 --> 00:06:13.920
On what what you're hearing from them because you know, our physicians, independent doctors, right, we listen to our patients all the time, right?
00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:15.439
What are what are their pain points?
00:06:15.519 --> 00:06:17.680
What are they like about healthcare and so forth?
00:06:17.839 --> 00:06:22.240
Which which by the way, within your district, I was actually just down in um in Fairfax.
00:06:22.480 --> 00:06:30.879
Nice a couple weeks ago, which by the way, for the audience, if you haven't been to Fairfax, they probably have the best farmers market downtown every single weekend, which was awesome.
00:06:30.959 --> 00:06:33.360
So they've got a great bring your bike.
00:06:33.600 --> 00:06:36.160
Oh, totally, totally some gray riding around there.
00:06:36.399 --> 00:06:37.600
It was it was awesome.
00:06:37.759 --> 00:06:41.519
Um, but you know, with within your district, I mean, as you said, right?
00:06:41.600 --> 00:06:45.360
I mean, you got rural, semi-rural, like very affluent areas as well.
00:06:46.079 --> 00:06:52.959
What are you hearing from your constituents as far as kind of like just their take on healthcare right now?
00:06:53.120 --> 00:06:57.680
Like what what are some of the problems you're hearing from your constituents?
00:06:57.839 --> 00:07:02.240
And you know, them possibly coming up to you and saying, hey, what can you do something to fix this?
00:07:02.639 --> 00:07:10.319
I think there's a real legitimate fear of losing momentum or progress that we've made over the last several years.
00:07:10.480 --> 00:07:28.879
Um, I think California has uh been able to pride itself on providing greater access, uh, for example, without uh reference even to your documentation status, the principle that healthcare uh is a right, not a privilege, a human right.
00:07:29.120 --> 00:07:34.639
And we've got to provide adequate adequate care for those living uh within our communities.
00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:39.600
So the fear we're hearing is that that's gonna be undone, right?
00:07:39.759 --> 00:07:53.279
And it's it's part of a larger concern right now about um how our immigrant communities are being treated or frankly mistreated by the federal government right now.
00:07:53.439 --> 00:07:56.959
We're seeing uh what's going on in our streets.
00:07:57.120 --> 00:08:04.160
Um, you have families scared right now, even to go to school or the clinic.
00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:09.439
Uh, and if they do, is coverage or care even going to be available?
00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:19.920
Um, so I think the real concern is almost a retrenchment toward a time when uh there there wasn't as much access.
00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:22.319
Are we returning to those days?
00:08:22.560 --> 00:08:27.920
Let alone a larger concern really about what how are our institutions faring right now?
00:08:28.079 --> 00:08:29.920
What about democracy?
00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:54.080
Um I think right now our job, uh, I would even say primarily as legislators is making sure that California is standing up for California values, for policies uh that we believe are forward thinking, that that serve people uh where they need it, and it starts with uh healthcare.
00:08:54.399 --> 00:09:00.320
So let's um let's let's talk a little bit um about you know you your bill that you're authoring for us.
00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:02.080
Again, thank you, thank you so much for doing that.
00:09:02.399 --> 00:09:02.559
Yeah.
00:09:02.720 --> 00:09:09.519
Uh AB2457, uh, which by the way, my my little kids, they were when I said that, they go, Oh, wait, 6'7?
00:09:09.840 --> 00:09:10.159
6'7.
00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:12.240
Like, close, close.
00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:17.039
I know my kids are a little bit old for that, but I've been meaning to tune in.
00:09:17.279 --> 00:09:23.360
So So um, you know, diving into you know, like the policy about about that bill, right?
00:09:23.440 --> 00:09:38.799
I mean, this is now a next step and extension to what we did last year that was signed by the governor that is now creating one application, one process for the credentialing process um for those physicians and the plans.
00:09:38.879 --> 00:09:40.720
So it was commercial health plans last year.
00:09:40.879 --> 00:09:46.320
Now we're shifting this and expanding this to Medi-Cal managed health care plans.
00:09:46.559 --> 00:09:49.919
Why why is this bill like something that's important to you?
00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.919
And why did you decide to author this bill?
00:09:52.240 --> 00:10:10.879
Yeah, it's not only in relation to what I'm hearing from my own district, but as you may know, I'm actually uh running for state senate uh right now in an even larger district, seven counties, uh, from Golden Gate Bridge to Oregon border along the coast.
00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:24.000
Uh so in effect, I'm hoping to represent an area that has some of the most affluent areas as well as some of the most poverty-stricken areas in the whole state.
00:10:24.480 --> 00:10:38.639
Um, what we are hearing loud and clear, and I hear it every time I go north, is the struggle, particularly amongst clinics, to even attract and retain physicians, right?
00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:44.159
Um, to be able to get uh people the actual care they need.
00:10:44.399 --> 00:11:01.679
So, to my way of thinking, we need to do everything we can to um encourage um qualified physicians to receive the credentials in a streamlined way that will kind of break through that barrier, right?
00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:08.000
It's part of uh the puzzle that we need to solve, um, but it's one I hear about all the time.
00:11:08.159 --> 00:11:14.559
So it was great to um uh kind of combine with your organization and get this going.
00:11:14.639 --> 00:11:21.039
And as you said, it's a follow-up to some really solid work that was done last year as well.
00:11:21.440 --> 00:11:22.320
Well, well, thank you again.
00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:35.759
And and and also too, like I mean, touching on that with you know what um that Senate um district that you're talking about, you know, one of our board members uh who came to Sacramento uh last year to testify for 1041, he's in Eureka.
00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:40.159
Yeah, he's a radiation oncologist, and he spoke firsthand, right?
00:11:40.240 --> 00:11:42.720
On uh and he knows that area very well, right?
00:11:43.039 --> 00:11:52.559
And uh he he spoke firsthand on how this is something where, hey, this needs to be fixed, where it's not just for the physicians themselves, it's for the patients in the area.
00:11:52.799 --> 00:11:53.039
Absolutely.
00:11:53.360 --> 00:11:57.679
Because if the patients want to be able to see someone like him or the other doctors, they need to get this approved.
00:11:57.840 --> 00:11:58.240
Yeah.
00:11:58.559 --> 00:12:05.200
And while we're talking about this need for greater healthcare access and you have to balance that with keeping things affordable.
00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:16.000
And I'm curious, how do you approach that while also looking out for these physicians we were just talking about, who are also small business owners, providing community-based care.
00:12:16.240 --> 00:12:19.440
How do you strike that balance between juggling these issues?
00:12:19.759 --> 00:12:21.919
Yeah, you you have that's what it's all about.
00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:23.360
It is a balance.
00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:40.559
Um, we know that um we've got to make sure you know rate structures actually reflect what physicians need uh to particularly independent physicians to be able to practice in these areas we're talking about, right?
00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:46.399
So I think that message uh has also been received loud and clear as well.
00:12:46.480 --> 00:12:48.960
So I think that's the balance you're talking about.
00:12:49.279 --> 00:12:53.200
And so what's it gonna take, do you think, to get this uh bill over the finish line this year?
00:12:53.679 --> 00:12:57.200
Well, it's gonna take uh building coalitions.
00:12:57.279 --> 00:13:10.720
Um I think making the case, which I think um is easier in this case because it's an add a logical add-on to work that you did uh with the legislature last year.
00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:17.120
Um and I think the timing is right because of the backdrop of all the issues that we're talking about.
00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:25.600
Again, some longstanding, but also some uh frankly created by the chaotic relationship with the federal government right now.
00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:29.200
So I think timing is everything around here, right?
00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:30.879
Um, but I feel good.
00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:42.799
Um, and it's an area I've I've uh kind of had a big concern about uh since I've been up here in Sacramento in um running other healthcare legislation as well.
00:13:43.039 --> 00:13:57.679
So for me, uh it was a natural extension of kind of my own personal interests and values, uh, but also again what I'm hearing both from my current district and those I'm seeking to represent in that larger district as well.
00:13:58.080 --> 00:13:58.399
Totally.
00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:06.799
So and you know, with you know, with PAC, with you know, our physicians, the the independent physicians, um, and it is a you it is a unique uh piece as well, right?
00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:08.720
Because they are small business owners, right?
00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:10.159
Like Alan just said, right?
00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:23.679
I mean, they pay for their overhead costs, they pay for their med mal liability, workers' comp, rent, but also, right, I mean, they're getting reimbursed at a level that's nowhere near as high, whether like if you're within a larger system, right?
00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:34.240
Just um, like you know, the equity there, um, and you know, our members, right, would would would fairly say we're providing just as good, if not better, care and quicker and so forth, right?
00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:37.519
And you know, that's part of the reason why in many cases the only care.
00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:38.399
Correct, right?
00:14:38.559 --> 00:14:40.639
Correct in some of these areas, correct.
00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:41.679
So correct.
00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:57.440
So, like let me let me ask you, I mean, you know, as a a sitting legislator, and this is you know, for not just healthcare um uh interests, but I mean everything as a whole, what is helpful to you uh um currently as an assembly member?
00:14:57.600 --> 00:15:02.159
You know, everyone says, okay, you have interest group, trade associations, lobbyists, and so forth.
00:15:02.320 --> 00:15:11.519
What is helpful to you as the member as far as, hey, this is going to change my mind on something, like policy-wise, or hey, this is going to reinforce something I'm thinking.
00:15:11.679 --> 00:15:12.879
What would you tell the audience?
00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:15.679
I mean, you know, may mainly our physicians, right?
00:15:15.840 --> 00:15:19.440
What is helpful to you on getting that policy across the finish line?
00:15:19.679 --> 00:15:26.320
I think hearing from the uh physicians directly um in every corner of the state.
00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:38.320
There's nothing nothing better uh as a member than hearing from your own constituents or people that are seeing and addressing a problem in your actual area, right?
00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:40.240
So it's very helpful.
00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:53.360
Um, and I've seen this time and again, if folks can't, and everyone's busy, and that's why a great trade group like yours exists as well to largely you know help formulate and speak for.
00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:58.960
But to the extent members can come up and be heard directly.
00:15:59.039 --> 00:16:02.399
Um, this bill is at the beginning of the process.
00:16:02.799 --> 00:16:16.159
Um, as you guys know, from here we'll go through committees, uh, it'll go through kind of a fiscal review through appropriations, uh, then the floor, and then flip uh houses and go through the process again.
00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:26.480
Every step of the way, it's very helpful to hear from those most impacted at the ground level in whatever area you happen to be in.
00:16:27.200 --> 00:16:27.519
Great.
00:16:27.679 --> 00:16:30.000
Well, Assemblymember, again, thank you so much.
00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:31.440
I know you took the time today.
00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:32.879
You just got off the floor.
00:16:33.039 --> 00:16:34.559
Now you got to get back to your district.
00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:35.200
We did.
00:16:35.279 --> 00:16:35.679
Yeah, yeah.
00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:36.879
Listen to your constituents.
00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:38.080
So absolutely.
00:16:38.320 --> 00:16:40.159
So very much thank you so much, Assembly Member.
00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:40.799
Anytime.
00:16:40.960 --> 00:16:43.919
Looking forward to working together and hope we've seen your members up here.
00:16:44.159 --> 00:16:44.559
Absolutely.
00:16:44.799 --> 00:16:45.279
Sounds good.
00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:46.320
Great, thank you.
00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.279
Thanks.
