IlliNOISY Advocates will be lobbying on health care issues in Springfield on Feb. 28th.
You can too! Just e-mail illinoisadvocacy@y-me.org for more information. |
February 2006 IlliNOISY News
The latest news from the Y-ME IlliNOISY Advocacy Network. Watch for the most recent edition in your inbox the first Tuesday of each month!
IN THIS ISSUE:
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JOIN THE REVOLUTION!
NBCCF's Annual Advocacy Training Conference
Washington, DC
April 29 - May 2, 2006 Learn more! |
Advocacy In Action! IlliNOISY Advocates To Travel to Springfield on Feb. 28th
On Feb. 28th, IlliNOISY advocates will travel with the Campaign for Better Health Care to Springfield, IL to meet with state legislators and update them on the progress of the Health Care Justice Act. They will then attend a public hearing in Springfield regarding affordable, accessible, quality health care for all. If you'd like to join the trip to Springfield as we work to change health care in Illinois, e-mail illinoisadvocacy@y-me.org!
NBCC Legislative Priorities Update
DOD Breast Cancer Research Program
This program will be funded at $127.5 million for FY2006, $22.5 million less than FY2005. Work will begin shortly to secure increased funding for this program in FY2007. Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act
This needed research will authorize $30 million for five years to NIEHS to study the potential links between the environment and breast cancer. Work to increase co-sponsors and bring this bill to the floor for a vote continues. Visit www.lesspinkmoreresearch.org to take action!
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THE SISTER STUDY NEEDS YOU!
The number enrolled is growing but more are needed. This study is for those who have a sister who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
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Healthy Illinois Update
State Senator Halvorson and State Representative Flowers recently held a hearing on the Healthy Illinois Act, of which they are the lead sponsors. This hearing unveiled some of the new features of the proposal and gave major stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions. In this session, the Healthy Illinois Campaign will introduce the new bill and continue its work of meeting with stakeholders around the state. Watch for future alerts on this issue!
Learn more at http://healthyillinoisplan.com
Springfield Enacts Smoking Ban
Springfield is joining Chicago and going smoke-free in public places, including restaurants, bars and bowling alleys. The Springfield City Council recently voted 6-4 to approve an ordinance prohibiting smoking in public places. Springfield's taverns and restaurants with bars have until Sept. 17th to phase in the ordinance. Read more.
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Health Care Justice Act Public Hearings
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What's Happening In Other States
Maryland Requires Large Companies to Contribute More for Worker Health Care
The Maryland General Assembly recently overrode Gov. Robert Ehrlich's veto of a bill that will require employers with more than 10,000 workers in the state to spend at least 8% of their payroll on employee health care or to pay into a fund for the uninsured. Read more.
Mass. Lawmakers Work to Expand Number of Insured
Massachusetts lawmakers are continuing to negotiate a compromise on two bills aimed at expanding health coverage for the uninsured. Read more.
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Project LEADŽ is a science training course designed to help breast cancer activists influence research & public policy processes. Learn more!
Upcoming Project LEAD Dates and Locations:
Houston, TX (Basic), Mar. 22-26, 2006 - Apply deadline has passed.
San Jose, CA (Quality Care), Aug. 2-6, 2006 - Apply deadline Jun. 2, 2006 |
Did You Know?
~ The number of U.S. employers that offer health benefits at no cost to employees decreased from 1998 to 2003, according to a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Bloomberg/Houston Chronicle reports. In a report released Wednesday, AHRQ found that in 1998, 35% of U.S. citizens said their employer provided them with free health care. That proportion dropped to 28% in 2003.
~ The American Cancer Survey revealed that nearly half of U.S adults believe they have little or no control in reducing their risk of cancer.
~ Health spending is now 16 percent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). |
