Week 8 - Legislative Session Update

Week 8 Update

Friday, April 26, 2013

As week eight comes to a close, most of our 2013 legislative priorities are still in play. The House and Senate are still negotiating funding for our state’s biomedical research programs as well as the Mary Brogan Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, and there are multiple Medicaid expansion alternatives still moving in each chamber. With only one week left, there is still a long way to go. 

Earlier this week the Health and Human Services (HHS) budget conference chairs “bumped” unresolved issues to the higher appropriations chairs without resolution on some of the issues we care about most. Budget deliberations over the next few days will be critical in determining whether or not Florida dedicates adequate resources to screen thousands of uninsured women.

Below is a quick update on where our priority issues are today:

MARY BROGAN BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER EARLY DETECTION PROGRAM – The HHS conferees received hundreds of emails from all of you, and your efforts are making a difference. Members from both sides of the aisle are talking about the importance of the program. As of today, there is still no state funding allocated in either the House or Senate budget, but we will keep pushing leadership to fund this lifesaving program – that provides screening and services to underserved women.

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH - Proposals out of both chambers depict increases in biomedical research funding, but they direct the dollars in different ways. The Senate has maintained the funding for both King and Bankhead-Coley and provided additional dollars directly to the major cancer centers in the state. The House brings the funding for both programs to a total of $10 million each and provides additional funding to the individual institutions. As the conference process continues, we are working hard to ensure the state’s two competitive, peer-review programs are given favorable consideration in the final allocations.

TOBACCO PREVENTION AND EDUCATION - Both chambers’ proposals are generally consistent with our request of $65.6 million for the program in FY 2013-14.  The Cancer Treatment Fairness Act, HB 301 by Rep. Debbie Mayfield (R - Vero Beach), is expected to be heard on the House floor next week. SB 422, by Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto (R - Ft. Myers), passed unanimously out of the Senate earlier this session. We continue to advocate strongly for passage of this important bill.

LIGHTS OF HOPE - On Monday, April 22nd, the steps of the Old Capitol were adorned in pink as hundreds of Lights of Hope bags formed a mission-driven message that was seen by legislators and constituents alike during the course of the day. Cancer survivors stopped by to share their personal stories, and the media took note as well - making for a memorable and impactful activity during a crucial point in the 2013 session. A heartfelt thanks to all who participated by sending a “Light of Hope” in honor or in memory of a loved one who has been touched by this disease. You can view a photo of the moving display at the following link:  tps://twitter.com/ACSCAN_Florida/status/326505835163422720/photo/1. Please follow us on Twitter while you’re there.

As always, updated information on ACS CAN’s legislative priorities can be found at www.fightcancer.org/florida