Health care reform back

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proclaimed "Year of Health Care Reform" has turned out to be a year of gridlock with the state Legislature. Mike Zapler in the Daily News.

But the ever-optimistic governor is clinging to his dream of bringing universal health care to California and has called lawmakers back to town for an overtime shift with the hopes of cutting a deal.

The outline of a possible compromise has already begun to take shape. Schwarzenegger and Democrats would agree on a basic reform package, which the Legislature would approve during the special session.

But lacking the votes of Republicans needed to finance it, they would take the measure to voters next year in a ballot initiative that would seek billions in new taxes.