Latest California Healthline Stories
New Senate Panel Assesses Not-for-Profit Hospitals’ Charity Care
The newly formed Senate Select Committee on Charity Care and Non-Profit Hospitals will look into whether state not-for-profit hospitals provide enough community benefits to justify their tax-exempt status. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.,” Bay Citizen.
U.S. Schools Changing Menus to Match Nutrition Standards
Schools across the country are changing their menus to comply with new nutrition standards for government-subsidized school meals that take effect this year. The new requirements — which come as reports indicate that one-third of U.S. children are obese or overweight — are designed to improve the health of the approximately 32 million children who eat lunch at school daily and 12 million who also eat breakfast there. USA Today.
Munger Enlists Former L.A. Mayor To Support Tax Plan
Last week, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan agreed to host a fundraiser for a campaign supporting civil rights lawyer Molly Munger’ tax hike initiative. The plan — labeled as Proposition 38 on the November ballot — would raise income taxes on all residents except for California’s lowest earners.
Romney Says Ryan’s Medicare Overhaul Plan Would Protect Program
While campaigning in Florida yesterday, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney defended his running mate Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to overhaul Medicare. According to Romney, Ryan’s plan would protect Medicare for beneficiaries. AP/Miami Herald et al.
Editorial Touts Benefits of Farmers Markets in San Jose
According to a San Jose Mercury News editorial, the San Jose City Council on Tuesday will consider whether to allow “small certified farmers markets with 15 vendors or fewer to open on private property without a permit.” The editorial states that the council should approve the plan because the markets can “bring fruits and vegetables to so-called food deserts — neighborhoods with too few places to buy healthy food.” It states, “[E]veryone should be able to enjoy a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables — and a healthier community benefits us all.” San Jose Mercury News.
HHS Meetings Aim To Help States Start Health Insurance Exchanges
HHS is launching a series of meetings to help states establish health insurance exchanges. Many states have made limited progress on their exchanges, leading experts to question whether HHS is prepared to set up federal exchanges in those states. Reuters.
States May Have Legal Room To Alter Pension Benefits
Most states, including California, may have more legal room than commonly thought to alter pension promises for current employees, according to a report by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Alicia Munnell — one of the report’s authors — said she expects more states to take action to alter pension benefits if the courts uphold recent laws in Rhode Island and New Jersey that made changes to current workers’ pensions. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
Steinberg Apologizes for Blocking Ballot Measure Hearing Telecast
Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg recently apologized for cutting off television access to a hearing on certain November ballot initiatives, including competing tax hike plans. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
July Report Finds Calif. Had More Than $18B in Outstanding Loans
A report from State Controller John Chiang finds that California had more than $18 billion in outstanding loans at the end of July after borrowing from special funds to cover daily expenses. The loans include $9.6 billion left over from June. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Ventura County Provides Pertussis Vaccines at Schools
Ventura County Public Health is offering incoming seventh-graders immunizations for pertussis — or whooping cough — at schools and school districts through the end of August. The cost of receiving the vaccine will be charged to students’ health insurers, while uninsured students will not be charged. Students who do not receive the immunizations will not be able to start classes, according to state law. Ventura County Star.