Status of Some Health-Related Bills by Santa Rosa Area Legislators Examined
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat on Saturday examined the status of legislation by local lawmakers, including several health-related bills. According to the Press Democrat, the lawmakers' "legislative scorecard ... shows they gave considerable consideration to health care and agriculture issues -- two pillars of the North Coast political and social landscape."
For example, Assembly member Joe Nation (D-San Rafael) co-authored a six-bill package that would have mandated health insurance for all state residents. Two of the bills passed, but Nation was unable to gain enough support for the universal health care elements of the legislation. He said he will restructure the package and reintroduce it next year.
A bill (AB 547) by Assembly member Patty Berg (D-Santa Rosa) would make it easier for localities to administer needle-exchange programs. The bill was passed by both chambers of the Legislature. Berg removed from consideration a bill (AB 651) that would have authorized physician-assisted suicide in some cases, saying she will reintroduce the measure next year.
A bill (SB 484) by Sen. Carole Midgen (D-San Francisco) would require cosmetics manufacturers to report to the state all ingredients in their products that are identified as causes of cancer or birth defects. The bill passed the Senate and the Assembly and awaits consideration by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R).
In addition to introducing the state budget bill (SB 52), Sen. Wes Chesbro (D-Santa Rosa) authored 12 bills related to health care this session, including legislation that addressed mental health and health care for the disabled (Benefield, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, 9/11).