Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorials Call Ruling on Stem Cell Research Regrettable
U.S. District Judge Royce Lambert’s recent ruling to block federal funding of embryonic stem cell research “could not only jeopardize American medical science but the health of millions of patients worldwide” because the ruling “omits the fact that embryonic stem cells have great promise in treating diseases for which there is otherwise little hope, and his ruling will seriously delay the quest for cures,” a Los Angeles Times editorial states. Meanwhile, a San Francisco Chronicle editorial argues that the Obama administration is rightly “planning an appeal” and that Congress should “easily clarify things by simply passing a stem cell funding bill.” Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
Audit Finds Oversight Problems at Agency for Developmental Services
A recent audit identified problems with the state Department of Developmental Services’ oversight of regional centers. The centers contract with other groups to provide in-home care and other services to residents with developmental disabilities. “California Watch Blog.”
Parents Increasingly Opting Children Out of Vaccinations
A growing number of California parents are choosing not to have their children vaccinated against diseases such as whooping cough or measles, an investigation by the Watchdog Institute of San Diego State University found. Since 1990, waivers signed by parents to exempt their children from immunizations before starting kindergarten have almost quadrupled. Public health officials are concerned that outbreaks of infectious diseases will become more prevalent as fewer children receive vaccines. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Changes to Medicare Rx Drug Plan Could Cause Shifts in Enrollment
As many as 3.7 million beneficiaries could modify their coverage plans under changes meant to ease enrollment in Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, according to a new analysis. The changes are designed to decrease duplicate plans offered by the same insurer. AP/Chicago Tribune.
Federal Officials Look To Appeal Ruling That Limits Stem Cell Funds
Federal officials will appeal a ruling issued Monday that temporarily blocks federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Meanwhile, lawmakers are discussing legislation that would address stem cell research, and scientists are considering other avenues of funding. New York Times et al.
Opinion: Democratic Budget Plan Not Sustainable Policy
While Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed making “major cuts to home health care for the aged, blind and disabled and to child care for low-income families” to balance the budget, Democratic lawmakers’ budget proposal “is more than a little bewildering itself,” Harold Meyerson — a Washington Post columnist and editor-at-large of the American Prospect — writes in a Los Angeles Times opinion piece. He says that the Democratic plan to adjust tax rates “would clearly reduce the tax burden on the poorest 20% of Californians” and “would raise taxes on the … middle class of Californians.” However, the plan “would scarcely raise taxes at all” on the richest 1%, which “flunks the test of … crafting sustainable, equitable economic policy.” Los Angeles Times.
Obama Backs Jerry Brown’s Campaign in Governor Race
In an e-mail on Tuesday, President Obama asked his supporters to make campaign donations and provide other support for the gubernatorial bid of Democrat Jerry Brown. Brown, California’s attorney general, faces GOP candidate Meg Whitman, former eBay CEO, in the general election. Whitman has spent about $104 million of her own money thus far in the campaign, while Brown has spent about $774,000 as of the end of June.
Six L.A. City Unions Avert Health Cost Hike, While Another Concedes
Six Los Angeles unions have thwarted Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s attempt to require city workers to pay more for health care. However, the Engineers and Architects Association agreed to higher health care contributions as part of a new contract. Los Angeles Times.
Governor: Lower Sales Tax as Part of State Budget Plan
Gov. Schwarzenegger is calling for lowering the state sales tax and placing a tax on service industries that currently go untaxed. Schwarzenegger is seeking an overhaul of the tax system as part of the state’s budget package, which is now 56 days late. The governor said the current tax system overburdens wealthy individuals. Sacramento Bee.
State Lawmakers Push Forward on Health Insurance Exchange
The Senate has approved two bills to establish a statewide health insurance exchange. If Gov. Schwarzenegger signs the measures, California would be the first state to create an exchange under the health reform law. AP/Ventura County Star et al.