3/20/09 Maine Statehouse Update

Governor's Budget & Legislature Overview

It was another long week of discovering what money is coming to the state from the Feds, and what are appropriate uses for the money.  Committees are reporting back their recommendations to the Appropriations committee this week, which means the budget debates will begin next week.

Priority Areas  

Lung Cancer

Tobacco Tax:  We have started to get all the pieces together for a full blown campaign to raise the cigarette tax, and also to equalize other smoking tobacco products.  Our bill, however, has not yet been printed.  The budget also addresses non-smoking tobacco like snuff, snus, and chew. 

Loopholes:  We have a bill in that will close several "left over" from early tobacco policy work.  It includes eliminating the smoking rooms which are allowed, although very difficult to have legally.  We know of only three in the state right now - all in new super WalMarts.  It also closes other loopholes.  It has not yet been printed.

Fund for a Healthy Maine:  Nothing new this week.

LD 943, "An Act To Reduce Lung Cancer Rates in Maine" directs landlords to test their properties for radon.

Breast Cancer

There is no state breast cancer legislation this year.

Colon Cancer

The Comprehensive Cancer Plan includes a new program to screen un- and under-insured for colon cancer.  This remains our funding priority.

Access to Healthcare

LD 290: "An Act To Allow Maine Residents To Purchase Health Insurance from Out-of-state Insurers," is a bill that would hurt Maine people who actually get sick, since they would not necessarily be covered by Maine insurance laws and regulations.  We opposed this bill when it is heard Monday the 16th.

LD 323: "An Act To Improve Transparency in the Health Insurance Markets" is the result of our collaboration in the Maine Voices for Coverage campaign.  It's intent is to make it easier for people buying insurance individually to understand exactly what they are buying, and how it compares to other products on the market.

LD 1040:  "An Act Relating to Health Benefit Plan Coverage of Chemotherapy" mandates insurance carries which cover chemotherapy to cover oral dose chemotherapy at the same rate they do in-patient chemo.  This obviously will allow some people to continue to work while they undergo chemo, meaning they can keep jobs which might otherwise be lost.  We will testify in support of this bill.  ** If you know anyone who has had a problem getting his / her oral chemo covered, please let us know!

LD 1091: "An Act To Reduce the Cost of Health Insurance" makes several detrimental changes to current consumer / cancer patient and family protections.  We will testify in opposition to this bill.

Comp Cancer

LD 701: "An Act To Fund the Screening and Early Detection Elements of the Statewide Cancer Plan" funds the cancer plan with the Fund for a Healthy Maine.  The public hearing is scheduled for Monday the 30th.

LD 781:  "An Act To Designate a Specialty State Lottery Ticket To Benefit Cancer Education and Awareness" creates a scratch ticket to fund the comprehensive cancer program.  The public hearing was Friday, March 20.  We followed the hearing with a press conference, which went very well!  Thanks to our volunteers who spoke up for funding the cancer plan:  Marilia Sardinia, John Whalen, and Janet Miles; and to the staff who were able to also attend:  Sue Clifford; Kip, Heather, and of course Maureen and Eileen.  

LD 909:  "An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Fund Research and Development for Cancer" creates a $25 million bond to fund cancer research.  It will be administered by the Maine Technology Institute.  The public hearing went well on Wednesday, and the committee said they will discuss it this week.

LD 919:  "An Act To Prevent and Treat Cancer in Maine by Implementing Critical Portions of the Comprehensive Cancer Program" funds the comprehensive cancer program by increasing the taxes on non-cigarette smoking tobacco to be equivalent to cigarettes.  It is not yet scheduled for a public hearing.

Quality of Life / Pain Management

There are several bills which have me concerned about pain management and access to pain medications.  None are printed yet, and our pain partners and I plan to discuss them with the sponsors to find out what they are really after.

Save the Date:  Lobby Day is Tuesday, April 14, 2009!  All staff and volunteers are encouraged to attend.  We will have a briefing in the morning at 8:30, followed by the opportunity to talk to legislators until about 1:00.  RSVP to Eileen so we have enough materials and food!

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