2009 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Restore Funding for Teen and Family Planning Centers - to restore proposed budget cut, of 34 percent ($7.5 million) in FY 09 and 45 percent ($10 million) in FY 10, to family planning by the Georgia Department of Human Resources.  These cuts would severely limit access to counseling, service and testing adolescents receive throughout the state, thereby increasing the risk of pregnancy and HIV/STD infection.

HB 119 is currently in the House Appropriations Committee

We oppose the proposed budget cuts

Protect Parental Rights - Parent Protection Act (HB 37) - would provide parents a total of 24 hours leave, during a 12 month period, to attend school related functions as well as scheduled medical appointments.  Legislation would benefit employees who are parents, employers and most important, the children of our state.  HB 37 will ensure greater parental involvement thus contributing to the health and wellbeing of students in Georgia.

HB 37 is currently in the House Industrial Relations Committee

We support this measure

Expand Pre-K Funding for all Children in Georgia - to provide all three and four year olds in Georgia free Pre-K education through use of lottery revenue.  Success in school serves as a protective measure and prohibitive factor for risk behavior leading to early sexual activity.  Pre-K education leads to academic success for all students.

No action by the Georgia General Assembly on this issue

Expand Managed Care Fees to HMOs - adopt a 1.6 percent managed care fee to Health Management Organizations (HMOs) in Georgia to prevent Medicaid and PeachCare funding cuts.  Additional revenue generated from fee will prevent the Georgia Department of Community Health from cutting $113 million in Medicaid and PeachCare spending and allow for receipt of matching federal dollars.

HB 307- is currently in the House Appropriations Committee

We support this measure

Support for Federal Funding of Comprehensive Sex Education - (SR 281) - is a resolution urging the United States Congress to enact the Prevention First Act (H.R. 463/S.21).

Currently in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee

We support this measure

Increase Cigarette Tax - (HB 39) would increase the cigarette sales tax from $.37 to $1.37, thereby generating a projected $350 million in additional revenue and serving as a prohibitive factor for existing or new smokers.  This increased revenue stream can improve the health of all Georgians and support funding for important health and educational programs that are susceptible to severe cuts.

HB 39 is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee

We support this measure

Reorganization of Public Health/Service Agencies - (HB 228) would reorganize and reestablish various state health and human services agencies; to establish the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Behavioral Health.

Currently in the House Appropriations Committee

We are monitoring this measure

Parental Notification for Unemancipated Minors - (HB 351) would authorize agencies to provide medical referral services under certain conditions; to require parental notification for an unemancipated minor to receive medical referral services or birth control devices.

Currently in the House Judiciary Committee

We oppose this measure

For any additional information please contact Joel Alvarado, Policy Director, at (404) 513-6699 or at joel@gcapp.org.  Please visit our website at www.gcapp.org