2-19-10 Maine Statehouse Update

Governor's Budget & Legislative Overview

http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Gov+News&id=86597&v=Article-2006The appropriations committee has changed their finish date from "the end of February" to "middle of March."  There is a lot to be done, and much attention is being given to raising the tobacco tax for some revenue and to curb the rise in youth smoking.  There are other revenue generators out there, too, but because of the People's Veto referendum in June, which would repeal the tax reform done during the last session, many ideas are considered "competing measures," and so the Legislature cannot even consider those options.

Priority Areas  

Lung Cancer

Tobacco tax:  We continue to work with legislative leadership and members to include a one dollar increase in the tobacco tax.  We have had yet more supporting editorials this week - in fact, every daily in the state has now given very strong support for a $1 increase in the tobacco tax!  Batting 1000!  Lewiston Sun Journal, Journal Tribune  This makes the chance of getting this better than ever, and it has a lot of support.  For political reasons, the Governor is still saying he isn't supportive, but the leadership is talking about it, and very few others are saying "no" as aggressively.

Access to Healthcare

LD 1620: "An Act To Protect Health Care Consumers from Catastrophic Debt" had a public hearing on Feb. 3rd.  I and about 15 others testified in support of the measure.  The work session was Feb. 17th, and they voted "ought to pass" 8 - 4.  It will go to the House and Senate for the full vote soon.

Congress:  Health Care Reform

Maureen and I continue to meet with our Health Care Reform Partners, volunteers, and our Members of Congress and their staff in their Maine offices.  We met with Cheryl Leeman of Sen. Snowe's office on Wednesday the 17th; Rep. Michaud on Thursday the 18th; and Sen. Collins' office had to reschedule. 

On the national HCR front, I'm sure you've all heard about the President's televised bipartisan meeting scheduled for next week.  In preparation for that, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a report showing Anthem is trying to get double digit rate increases in many states, not just California.  That report was bolstered by our own report, released Monday by Maine Insurance Superintendent Mila Kofman.  Our Congressional delegation jumped right on it, and from the soundbite on yesterday's MPBN, Sen. Collins is re-energized about the need for real reform.

Save the Date:  Lobby Day is Tuesday, March 2, 2010!  All staff and volunteers are encouraged to attend. 

* The issues that directly impact the NEDiv Business Plan and/or National Scorecard measures in blue bold.