4/10/09 Maine Statehouse Update

Governor's Budget & Legislature Overview

You have probably seen on the news that the revenue forecast is not looking good. The new projected deficit is between $300 - $500 million. Good news for our tax campaign, bad news for everything else. The issue has not gotten to the point of changing the budget yet, but it will soon. increasing the taxes on non-cigarette smoking tobacco to be equivalent to cigarettes. It is not yet scheduled for a public hearing.  eliminating the smoking rooms which are allowed, although very difficult to have legally. program to screen un- and under-insured for colon cancer. This remains our funding priority. health disparities in Washington County, particularly within the tribe. You may remember a report last year which listed Washington county as the only county in the northeast in which life expectancy for women actually decreased. In addition, life expectancy within the tribe is 47 years, vs. the white population at around 70. We have been working on this, and shall continue. increasing the taxes on non-cigarette smoking tobacco to be equivalent to cigarettes. It is not yet scheduled for a public hearing.

Priority Areas Lung Cancer

LD 1347:  "An Act To Deter Initiation of Tobacco Use by Increasing the Tax on Tobacco Products" raises the tax on cigarettes by $1, and is the focal point of our tobacco tax campaign.   It is not yet scheduled for a public hearing.

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.

LD 943, "An Act To Reduce Lung Cancer Rates in Maine" directs landlords to test their properties for radon.  There is no public hearing scheduled.

LD 1429: "An Act To Strengthen the Workplace Smoking Laws and Other Laws Governing Smoking" cleans up some loopholes in current law, including

 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," was voted on party lines "ought not to pass."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.  It is scheduled for a public hearing April 13.LD 1040:  "An Act Relating to Health Benefit Plan Coverage of Chemotherapy" was voted "ought not to pass."LD 1091: "An Act To Reduce the Cost of Health Insurance" has been tabled pending more information.  We testified against the bill because it removes protections now in law, all of which are favorable for cancer patients and survivors.LD 1228: "Resolve, To Direct Action on Health Disparities of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Washington County" directs many groups to form an action plan to combat the unacceptable health disparities in Washington County, particularly within the tribe.  You may remember a report last year which listed Washington county as the only county in the northeast in which life expectancy for women actually decreased.  In addition, life expectancy within the tribe is 47 years, vs. the white population at around 70.  We have been working on this, and shall continue.Comp CancerLD 701: "An Act To Fund the Screening : "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 committee voted to leave the issue "on the table" until other bills which use the Fund are heard.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 committee voted 10 - 3 to kill it, but some are vowing a floor fight.

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 is still in limbo in committee.

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 ManagementLD 1193: "An Act To Establish Uniform Protocols for the Use of Controlled Substances" allows only pain specialists to prescribe opioids, and allows only one prescriber per patient.  The only supporter was the sponsor; we and several others opposed it yesterday.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 [email protected] so we have enough materials and food! * The issues that directly impact the NEDiv Business Plan and/or National Scorecard measures in blue.