Health care issues were the focus today at the state Capitol during a face-to-face dialogue between state leaders and high school students from all over California.

The LegiSchool Project, a civic education collaboration between Sacramento State and the state Legislature, brought eight students to the Capitol to present their ideas on health care reform and question state leaders about their attempts to improve the health care system.

Sen. Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, one of the state leaders present, said that the United States’ private health care system does not work for the majority of the working class.

Steinberg promoted the idea of a possible universal health care program, which would allow all citizens and immigrants to receive health coverage for both physician care and emergency situations.

San Ysidro High School student Sandra Gonzalez was selected to fly to the event and be involved in the political forum.

Gonzalez said the experience made her become more aware of important issues such as health care reform. When asked how she felt about state leaders, Gonzalez said she had faith in the decency of their good work and strongly agreed with Steinberg regarding universal health care.

“Everyone deserves health care, including immigrants, because they contribute to the state’s economy and should be given that right,” Gonzalez said.

Sheila Krotz, professional development coordinator for the Sweetwater Union High School District, encouraged high school students to become involved in the political process and engage in forums to question the work of state legislators.

Krotz, also a teacher of anatomy and physiology at San Ysidro High School, said the forum allowed the students to obtain a first-hand experience in the political process.

“The face-to-face dialogue allowed the students to apply their critical thinking skills outside a classroom and into the political arena at the state Capitol,” Krotz said.

Vanessa Guerrero can be reached at [email protected].