Magic funding for California's ill-conceived health care reform bill

There's been a lot of talk about a wall or fence along the US-Mexico border, but we might want to consider building one along the eastern border of California first. I say this because I'm sure we'll be wanting to stem the exodus of Californians from the state if the California Assemby's new health plan is enacted:

The state Assembly on Monday approved a massive health care reform plan that will expand coverage to nearly 70 percent of the state's uninsured and require most Californians to buy health insurance.

The plan will cost a mere $14.5 billion, paid for by medium-to-large employers, hospital fees, a tobacco tax, and a possible $4.5 billion in federal funds.

Are you wondering how the businesses can handle this tax increase? Not to worry, sez Assemblywoman Patty Berg:

...the funding for the health care package is designed to stand separate from the state budget, which is why lawmakers can vote for it even as the state faces a multibillion dollar budget deficit.

Someone ought to remind Ms. Berg that putting the money in a separate budget doesn't mean that the burden on the taxpayers is lessened. It's like saying "don't worry about the water supply, because I'm putting this water in a separate jug."

This reform plan still has to be voted on by the state Senate and then by voters, so CA has two chances to avoid disaster. Let's hope it makes good use of them.