Latest California Healthline Stories
Orszag Hit With Queries on White House Health Care Reform Efforts
Senate Finance Committee members peppered White House Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag with questions about the administration’s preferences for health care reform. Orszag said he wouldn’t provide specific details of what the administration wants the plan to include. Miami Herald et al.
Ventura County To Hire More Mental Health Workers
On Tuesday, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a plan to add 19 employees to its Behavioral Health Department to help run the county’s public mental health programs. The expansion will be paid for by Proposition 63, a measure passed by voters in 2004 that adds a 1% tax to personal incomes above $1 million to pay for mental health services. Ventura County Star.
Assembly Democrats Formally Back Measures on Proposition 63, First 5
Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said her caucus concluded that initiatives to shift money from the special accounts for mental health services and early childhood health care and education programs are needed to bridge California’s budget gap. The caucus remains divided over a proposed state spending cap. Capitol Weekly.
Orange County Ends Contract With Planned Parenthood
On Tuesday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to suspend a contract with Planned Parenthood to provide health education because the group performs abortions. The $291,788 contract in question is not used to pay for abortion services. Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register.
Study Says California Can Avoid Medi-Cal Cuts, Tax Increases
A California Budget Project study estimates that California will get sufficient money from the federal economic stimulus package to avoid steeper state tax hikes and deeper cuts to Medi-Cal and other services. Sacramento Bee et al.
Wave of Mergers Hits Pharmaceutical Industry
On Monday, Merck announced plans to acquire Schering-Plough, just as Roche reportedly moved closer to a deal to acquire San Francisco-based Genentech. Pfizer announced plans to take over Wyeth in January. Los Angeles Times et al.
Sierra Health Foundation Releases $1 Million in Grants
Sacramento-based Sierra Health Foundation has awarded $1 million in grants to 42 organizations. The foundation’s grants are aimed at improving the health and quality of life for counties in northeastern California. Stockton Record, Sierra Health Foundation release.
Healthy San Francisco Program Survives Latest Court Challenge
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association plans to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its challenge to a provision of Healthy San Francisco that requires employers to contribute to health care coverage. The program aims to provide universal access to health care services for all residents. KTVU.com et al.
Obama Order on Stem Cell Research Funding Wins Praise in California
California scientists lauded President Obama for signing an executive order that raises the possibility of federal funding for more human embryonic stem cell research. Stocks of Bay Area firms specializing in the research jumped on the news. AP/Contra Costa Times et al.
Stir Arises Over O.C. Funding to Planned Parenthood
Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach is pushing for the county to end a contract for reproductive education services with Planned Parenthood. Supervisors are set to vote on Moorlach’s proposal today. Orange County Register.