2018 Kentucky Legislative Roundup
The 2018 Kentucky Legislative Session ended on April 14. It was an eventful one, to say the least, filled with last minute surprises, pension reform, and a tax bill with changes going until the very last day. Despite a multitude of distractions, ACS CAN volunteers made their voices known. While cancer was not made the state priority that it should be this year, and we must make sure our lawmakers know this is not acceptable, we do have a few victories to celebrate.
Preserve Current Cancer Control Program Funding;
Secure New Funds for Pediatric Cancer Research
We had a major fight when it came to cancer control funding. When the governor’s proposed budget came out in January, it eliminated all prior cancer control funds. Thankfully, and because of our incredible volunteers, the majority of that funding was reinstated – with some increases!
The final two-year budget included:
This budget was vetoed by Governor Bevin, but the legislature overrode that veto.
*There is no line item for the KY Lung Cancer Research Program, but with the overall increase in research funds going to UK and UofL, we believe the funding will be allocated appropriately.
Improve Patient Quality of Life – Support Access to Patient-Centered and Family-Focused Palliative Care
After passing unanimously on the Senate Floor, and then unanimously through the House Health & Family Services Committee, SB 149 died without a House vote. Our bill sat on the House agenda until the very last day of session, but was never called for a vote by Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Shell.
This bill would have established a state advisory council, consumer guide, and education program in Kentucky to increase palliative care initiatives and maximize their effectiveness.
Ensure Access to Quality Care Through Prior Authorization Reform
SB 143 received a “for discussion only” hearing in Senate Banking and Insurance. This was an education year on the issue, and we are confident that the legislation will progress in 2019.
This bill would have streamlined the prior authorization process so that it is a timelier and transparent process for cancer patients, removing unnecessary barriers to accessing their medications.
Keep Kids from Smoking – Increase Kentucky’s Cigarette Tax Rate by $1 or More
The legislature passed a tax reform package including a 50-cent increase on the cigarette tax. This was a major missed opportunity in Kentucky.
50 cents will NOT have a public health benefit; it will simply be a tax. The tobacco industry is incredibly successful in negating any potential smoking prevention from a 50 cent increase, with price marketing and coupon campaigns. In fact, it is a tobacco industry tactic to support these types of small increases to prevent anything meaningful. What’s more, small increases like these make it near impossible to get significant increases for years down the line.
Increasing the cigarette tax by a $1-per-pack would have saved lives, reduced health care costs and raised even more revenue. It would’ve helped 29,400 adult smokers quit and would’ve kept 23,200 kids from becoming smokers. Additionally, it would’ve saved an estimated $1.07 billion in long-term health care costs. Further, a $1.00 increase would’ve raised millions more in new revenue than a 50-cent increase.
With this vote, Kentucky lawmakers demonstrated their commitment to Big Tobacco over Kentuckians. The legislature had a chance to keep kids from smoking, and help prevent thousands of future cancer deaths. They missed it.