G-CAPP Policy and Advocacy News

Make Your Voice Heard at the 2008 G-CAPP Legislative Reception
Join G-CAPP at our 2008 Legislative Reception this Wednesday, February 27th from 5:00–7:00PM at the Georgia Freight Depot, for the latest updates regarding current legislation impacting youth, to hear directly from youth themselves about their priorities, and to meet other advocates, state officials and policy makers.

2008 Georgia General Assembly Update
The General Assembly is half-way through the 40 day session. Day 30 will be "crossover day," the deadline for a bill to pass in the originating chamber in order to be considered by the other chamber.

Health Care Coverage for Foster Care Youth

In Georgia approximately 400 youth age out of the foster care system each year, many without the basic housing, health insurance and other resources needed to become self-sufficient adults. At age 18, foster youth are automatically dropped from Medicaid coverage. EmpowerMEnt, a diverse group of over 300 current and former foster youth in Georgia, are advocating to amend Georgia's 2009 budget to allow the Department of Community Health to extend Medicaid coverage for foster care youth until the age of 21. Youth advocates from EmpowerMEnt will be presenting at the G-CAPP Legislative Reception on February 27th.

Property Tax Proposals Move Forward

HR 1246 (Rep. Glenn Richardson, 19th), a proposed Constitutional amendment, would eliminate the local property tax for schools and the state property tax, while expanding the sales tax to groceries and consumer services. Upon full implementation, the proposal would cause an estimated $826 million decrease in state revenues, which could impact state programs and services including health care and education. For a full analysis of the plan, visit the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute web site. The resolution, along with enabling legislation HB 979, has been favorably reported by the House Ways and Means Committee and could be voted on by the House this week.

TAKE ACTION
Contact your legislators to voice your opinion about these and other issues before the Georgia General Assembly. Also, visit the General Assembly web site to find contact information for bill sponsors and committee members, or to track legislation.

G-CAPP Fast Fact
Young women in foster care are 2.5 times more likely than those not in foster care to experience a teen pregnancy.

Source: Healthy Teen Network.