Bills Vetoed, OKd by Gov. Wilson

It is unfortunate that Gov. Pete Wilson put the greed of the insurance industry above medical care for women when he vetoed Assembly Bill 1101 (Oct. 18). He blatantly disregarded the health care needs of working women and their families. He failed to require insurance service plans to end discrimination against pregnant women and he failed to recognize the cost-effectiveness of providing coverage for contraception in a standard prescription benefits package.

Extensive studies from sources such as UC San Francisco and the March of Dimes have proved the cost-effectiveness of access to family planning services and comprehensive prenatal care. Wilson had a chance to address the historic gender-based discrimination in prescription benefits coverage. Instead, he ignored the recommendations of public health professionals. Women will continue to spend 68% more than men in out-of-pocket costs for health care, and access to affordable contraception will remain out of reach for many low-income working women.

Perhaps I am being too cynical about the motives driving the governor’s shortsighted action, but could it be he vetoed the bill because his failed presidential campaign is $1 million in debt and he needs those large checks from the insurance industry?

LAUREEN E. WOOD

Laguna Beach

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* Going against overwhelming scientific evidence, Wilson has vetoed legislation that would have legalized marijuana for specified medical circumstances (Oct. 17). This callous act shows disregard for the suffering of many Californians.

JACK SANDWEISS

Beverly Hills

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* We applaud the enactment of Assembly Bill 1035 (Oct. 18), the so-called anti-drug loitering bill.

The apartment association and its members supported passage of the bill because it will help rid the San Fernando Valley, Ventura County and other urban communities of a serious problem. Neighborhoods have quickly deteriorated by the mere presence of drug dealers and prostitutes.

This law, which makes it a misdemeanor to loiter for the purpose of selling drugs or sex, now gives police departments another much-needed tool in winning the war on crime and making our communities safer.

MARY ELLEN HUGHES

Executive Director, Apartment Assn.

Van Nuys