California lawmakers debate universal health care proposal

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers are set to debate whether to create the nation's first universal health care system.

A bill to establish the system and set its rules faces a state Assembly hearing on Tuesday.

A separate bill that would lay out how to pay for the coverage will be heard by lawmakers at a later date.

The first bill must pass the state Assembly by Jan. 31 to have a chance of approval this year.

The bill to establish a payment method for the coverage would increase taxes on some wealthier people and larger businesses.

Voters would have to approve the payment plan before it could become law.