CPCA: Lobbies State Lawmakers to Preserve Health Safety Net
State legislators last week heard from more than 200 clinic representatives from across the state on issues that impact the health care safety net, the uninsured and medically vulnerable populations. The California Primary Care Association hosted the legislative visits in an attempt to urge greater priority for health issues in the state budget. "CPCA's member clinics are concerned about the state budget's failure to address the health care crisis of growing numbers of the uninsured," said CPCA CEO Carmela Castellano (CPCA release, 4/6).
Tobacco for Health
CPCA said it is sponsoring AB 887, which could improve and expand the state's safety net. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), the bill would earmark tobacco settlement funds for health care for the uninsured. "We cannot afford to pass up the opportunity to use settlement dollars for health care. This legislation will put us on the right track to ensuring that millions of Californians have access to health care," Jackson said. The measure was passed last week by the Assembly Health Committee and now goes to the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee for consideration (CPCA release, 4/7).