The Latest: California universal health measure advances

The Latest on California lawmakers' single-payer health care proposal (all times local):

5 p.m.

A proposal to eliminate health insurance companies and guarantee government-funded health care for all California residents is moving forward.

The Senate Health Committee voted Wednesday to send the measure to the Appropriations Committee. The vote came after hundreds of nurses clad in red held a rally in Sacramento, marched to the state Capitol and packed into a committee room.

The proposal is promoted by the state's powerful nursing union and two Democratic senators who say California should create a national model for providing health care for everyone.

Critics say the measure would disrupt the health care used by millions of Californians, would require high taxes and would likely create longer waits to see a doctor.

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3:45 p.m.

Hundreds of nurses have rallied in support of a California proposal to create a government-funded health care system that would eliminate health insurance companies.

They marched to the state Capitol in Sacramento on Wednesday before a legislative hearing on the longshot plan that would require significant tax increases and cooperation from President Donald Trump's administration.

Nurses clad in red packed the Capitol hallways ahead of a Senate Health Committee hearing. Supporters say creating a single-payer health care system would reduce overall health care costs.

Lawmakers are still working out the details of the proposal but say it would guarantee health coverage for all California residents, including those in the country illegally.

Employers, business groups and health plans have mobilized in opposition.

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12:22 a.m.

California lawmakers are considering an audacious proposal that would substantially remake the state's health care system by eliminating insurance companies and guaranteeing coverage for everyone.

The idea known as single-payer health care has long been popular on the left. It's gaining traction with liberals as President Donald Trump struggles to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Hundreds of nurses are planning to rally in Sacramento Wednesday ahead of a hearing in the Senate Health Committee.

The proposal, promoted by the state's powerful nursing union and two Democratic senators, is a longshot. But the supporters hope the time is right to persuade lawmakers in California, where Democrats have long been willing to push the boundaries of liberal public policy and are now particularly eager to stand up to the Republican president.