Policy Alert: Good News!!!

DATE:  October 16, 2007
TO:    Delegate Agencies, Board of Directors, Advocates and Staff
FROM:  Yvette Jorgensen, Public Policy Analyst
RE:    Policy Alert:  Good News!!!

Good News!!!  SB94 and AB 629 Signed by Governor

Great News: On Saturday Governor Schwarzenegger signed TWO bills of critical importance to reproductive healthcare!

SB 94 (Kuehl) expands access to cancer-screening, birth control, and STD testing and treatment by increasing the Medi-Cal reimbursement rates paid to family planning providers.  The bill requires a rate increase that would bring family planning rates to at least 80 percent of the weighted average of the federal Medicare rates for similar office visits.  The bill also mandates the rate increases for comprehensive clinical family planning services that are reimbursed by the state through Medi-Cal or other family planning programs. It has been 20 years since California’s family planning providers have received a significant rate increase.  The rate increase will go into affect in January of 2008.

AB 629 (Brownley): For the past two years, participants at CFHC’s annual Day at the Capitol have asked their legislators to support AB 629 which ensures that state funds are spent responsibly on medically accurate, effective sex education programs in our communities.  After vetoing a similar bill last year, the Governor did sign the bill on Saturday, October 13th. 

Please call the Governor TODAY at (916) 445-2841 and thank him for his support of SB 94 and AB 629.

Thank you for all of your calls, email, and legislative visits in support of the SB 94 and AB 629.  Take pride in your part to get these two critically important bill passed!  If you have any questions or would like further information contact Yvette Jorgensen, Public Policy Analyst, at (213) 386-5614 ext. 4519.