G-CAPP Policy and
Advocacy News
2007 Georgia General Assembly Update
The Georgia General Assembly is nearing the end of the 40-day legislative session. The 2008 budget has not yet been finalized and many key bills still need to be addressed. We will provide updates on a weekly basis during the session regarding bills and issues that affect adolescents and public health.
Health Services for Teens Debated
The language in HB 526, which was not reported out of the House Health and Human Services Committee, was proposed as an amendment to the 2008 budget in the House by Rep. Martin Scott (2nd). HB 526 amends the state code regarding family planning services to require unemancipated minors to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can show proper identification in order to receive referral services or contraceptives from any state-funded public health department or agency. The Speaker of the House ruled the amendment non-germane but there was discussion that there may be a hearing on HB 526 before the session ends. We will send out an action alert if this hearing occurs. For more information on this issue see this previous Policy & Advocacy Update.
SR 388 (Sen. Nan Orrock, 36th) urges the United States Congress to enact the Prevention First Act, which expands access to preventive health care services and education programs to help reduce unintended pregnancy, prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted infections, and support healthy families by improving women’s health. The Act would provide additional federal funding to expand teen pregnancy prevention programs and would require federally-funded sex education programs to present medically-accurate information. The resolution is before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Ask Your Senator to Protect PeachCare Today
HB 340 (Rep. Glenn Richardson, 19th) which reduces the number of children eligible for PeachCare was approved by a vote of 101 to 63 in the House and is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Rules Committee today.
AARP is asking its members to make calls to their Senators to oppose HB 340 and they are graciously allowing us to share their 800 number with others concerned about this issue. Call this toll free number (1-800-511-6259) and you will hear the following recorded message:
“Thank you for calling the AARP Georgia Legislative Hotline. AARP believes that all children should have health insurance. PeachCare provides health coverage to children from low-income working families. In Georgia, every tenth child has PeachCare coverage.
The Georgia General Assembly is considering House Bill 340. House Bill 340 would deny coverage to many children who otherwise would be covered. House Bill 340 would also cut services for children currently enrolled in PeachCare by making dental and vision services harder to get.
AARP Georgia strongly opposes House Bill 340. We need to be reducing the number of uninsured not increasing the number. What is bad for children is bad for us all. Tell your State Senator to vote NO on House Bill 340.”
Then enter your zip code, and you will be connected to your Senator. Pass this number on to friends and colleagues.
Track 2007 Legislation
For
the latest updates on legislation, visit the General
Assembly web site and search by the bill number in the
top right hand corner of the page. You may also find information
for contacting bill sponsors and other legislators on the
General Assembly web site, or find your legislators here.
To follow legislative issues that G-CAPP is working on, click here.
G-CAPP Fast Fact
The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is May 2 - visit the G-CAPP Web Site for tips and ideas for how you can participate. More information will be coming soon!
