Campaign Launched for Health Insurance Measure

Proponents of a ballot initiative to provide health insurance to all Californians launched a signature drive in Los Angeles on Tuesday to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

“California spends more than any other state per resident for health care and yet has 5 million uninsured,” said Michael Weinstein, the chairman of California 2000, the organizers of the campaign.

The measure would require employers to provide insurance or pay a premium to a commission set up to administer the plan. The measure--called the Health Care Protection Act of 1990--will need the signatures of about 385,000 registered voters by May 28.