CNA Urges California Assembly to Advance A.B. 1900 Health Care Bill

The Future of CalCare: A Call to Action from California Nurses

Members of the California Nurses Association (CNA) are urging the California State Assembly to push forward with A.B. 1900, known as the California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act or CalCare. This legislation, seen as a crucial lifeline for many residents, promises a comprehensive single-payer health care system at a time of increasing demand for accessible health care services.

CNA Executive Director Puneet Maharaj expressed strong disapproval of the Assembly's decision not to advance the bill, stating, "We condemn this disgraceful move by the California State Assembly to stop CalCare from moving forward in the legislature." Maharaj emphasized the nurses' long-standing commitment to ensuring health care as a fundamental right, irrespective of financial capability.

The urgency of the situation is underlined by Maharaj's warning that any delay could adversely affect Californians' health. "We can't wait for the disastrous impacts of H.R. 1 or for more people to die. NOW is the time to pass CalCare. Our legislators still have time to do the right thing," Maharaj added.

Introduced in the Assembly on February 12, 2026, CalCare has gained significant public support. A recent poll by David Binder Research revealed that nearly two-thirds of voters in California desire substantial changes to the current health care system. Rising health care costs have been a major concern, with over 40 percent of voters finding it increasingly difficult to afford care in recent years.

Support for the bill is also strong among Democratic voters, with more than three-quarters indicating they would favor a gubernatorial candidate advocating for a single-payer system. The push for CalCare has seen endorsements from over 300 organizations, including the California Federation of Labor Unions and ACLU California Action. Numerous rallies and town halls have been held, demonstrating the grassroots momentum behind the initiative.

The bill has significant legislative backing, with 25 legislators acting as joint authors or coauthors. Key figures include Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, Isaac Bryan, and Alex Lee, as well as Senators Lena Gonzalez and Mike McGuire. In addition, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, has been pivotal in efforts to advance CalCare.

The CNA remains steadfast in its advocacy, urging the legislature to refer CalCare to the committee before the impending deadline. The association, representing more than 100,000 members in California and over 225,000 nationwide, continues to be a major force in the push for health care reform.