Whereas, the Health Care System and Health Security Board established in Public Law 2001, chapter 439 has determined that additional work is needed to monitor current health care reform efforts before making a final recommendation on a single-payer health care plan; and

Whereas, the board has completed substantial work to determine the feasibility of a single-payer health care plan for this State; and

Whereas, the board intends to make recommendations to implement a single-payer health care plan if other reform efforts are not successful;

Whereas, universal health care coverage for all Maine citizens must be achieved as soon as possible; and

Whereas, the board has adequate funds to support its activities; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Board reestablished. Resolved: That the Health Care System and Health Security Board, which was originally established in Public Law 2001, chapter 439, Part ZZZ and referred to in this resolve as "the board," is reestablished. The board consists of 20 members as follows:

A. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services or the commissioner's designee;

B. The Executive Director of the State Employee Health Commission or the director's designee;

C. The State Tax Assessor or the assessor's designee;

D. Two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate with preference to members of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs and the joint standing committee of the