Former California Rep. Fortney “Pete” Stark Jr., an influential Democrat whose legislative work helped reshape America’s healthcare system, has died. During his 40-year career in Congress representing the East Bay, Stark helped craft the Affordable Care Act, the signature policy change of the Obama administration. Advertisement“Congressman Stark dedicated his life to defending every American’s right to quality, affordable healthcare,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. Born in Wisconsin during the Great Depression, Stark later served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and settled in California after receiving his master of business administration from UC Berkeley. Stark is survived by his wife, Deborah Roderick Stark, seven children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 25, 2020 19:18 UTC