GRAY DAVIS: Signs Bill Expanding Breast Cancer Treatment for Poor
Gov. Gray Davis (D) Friday signed legislation that requires the Department of Health Services to expand and ensure quality breast cancer treatment for low-income, uninsured residents. Sponsored by Assemblyman Howard Wayne (D-San Diego), AB 2878 earmarks $20 million to the Breast Cancer Treatment Program to pay for all uninsured residents with breast cancer who have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive treatment. The program, administered by the DHS, could help as many as 2,800 people receive treatment (Office of the Governor release, 7/7).
Long Term Care Relief
In other news, as part of the $1.5 billion tax relief package, Davis also signed AB 511, which includes a $500 long term care tax credit. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Elaine Alquist (D-Santa Clara) and part of Davis' "Aging with Dignity" initiative, the tax credit will help those taxpayers who currently serve as care-givers for people who qualify for long term care. The credit will save taxpayers more than $40 million each year and will help offset costs associated with home health visits, adult day care and home safety modification (Office of the Governor release, 7/7).