Gavin Newsom might not be able to accomplish his ambitious campaign goal of bringing government-funded universal health care to California, but his first hires suggest he’s planning something big.
Incoming chief of staff Ann O’Leary helped develop the Children’s Health Insurance Program when she worked in the Bill Clinton White House.
…Matosantos, who once worked for the Senate Health Committee, will serve as liaison between Newsom and the state agencies and departments he oversees.
Her background at the Department of Finance during the recession might make her more hesitant to increase state spending, said Jen Flory, a policy advocate at the Western Center on Law and Poverty.
“She was in charge of Finance during some really challenging times,” Flory said. “I don’t think that anyone has any blinders that she’s just going to throw money around.”
