Legislative Advocacy Center
School-based and school-linked health centers and programs have emerged as a powerful tool in the delivery of health care and education to children and adolescents, yet lack of sustainable funding threatens the centers. The School-Community Health Alliance of Michigan is involved in state and federal health and education policy discussions to strengthen legislative support for SBHCs. SCHA-MI focuses its efforts on increasing access to healthcare, providing critical health education and support services for children and families, improving the quality of care and education delivered and to ensuring stable funding for centers and programs. We encourage you to get involved and let your voice be heard.
HEALTH CARE REFORM UPDATE
March 25, 2010 -March After decades of attempts, the 111th U.S. Congress passed Health Insurance Reform, along party lines providing access to health care for an estimated 32 million uninsured Americans. Many months of intense debate culminated with a final vote in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 219-212 on March 21st. Included in H.R. 3590 was authorizing language for school based health centers and appropriating “Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there is appropriated for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2013, 50,000,000…” President Obama signed the bill into law on March 23rd. Provided is a link to Public Law No: 111-148; Language addressing SBHCs can be found on pages 428 – 432.
Health Care update letter from Debbie Stabenow
February 17, 2010 -Video Recognition of SCHA-MI membership During National Advocacy Conference. During their Health Action 2010 conference held in Washington D.C this past January, Families USA saluted several grassroots advocacy organization whose local and federal efforts made a positive impact on the recent passage of health reform; SCHA-MI's membership was spotlighted along with other ardent supporters.
STATE BUDGET UPDATE
April 1, 2010 – Michigan Senate approves restoration of funding to Arthur Hill and Mumford CAHCs! On March 24th, the Senate, under the leadership of Senator Roger Kahn, voted in favor of restoration of funding for Arthur Hill and Mumford CACHs. The 21-16 Senate vote would help return funds eliminated from the current budget. The bill has now been referred to the House for consideration.
The next House Appropriations hearing is scheduled for 4/14/10 at 8am in Rm 352 of the State Capitol; Representative Gary McDowell chairs.
March 31, 2010 – Michigan’s House of Representatives to take up School Aid Bills following spring Break! Upon return from their spring break, the Michigan House will take up the 2010-11 School Aid Budget recommendations. We have experienced tremendous support from the majority of House members, including School Aid Appropriations Chair Terry Brown and Appropriations Chair George Cushingberry. To date, committee schedules taking up the appropriations bills have not been posted but should resume in the next couple of weeks.
As you may recall, in February Governor Granholm recommended funding Child and Adolescent Health Centers (CAHCs)/SBHCs maintained at last year’s appropriation of $3.5 mil. Several weeks later, the Michigan Senate, under the leadership of Appropriations Chair Ron Jelinek, approved funding consistent with the Governor’s recommendation, in the Senate Bill 1163 (S-1).
What this means for CAHCs: Because final confirmation of current funding levels rests with the House, SCHA-MI will be closely monitoring the bill as it completes its way through the legislative process. Again, we have very strong support in the House but will continue to work to ensure that support translates to funding for our centers and programs.
March 25, 2010 – SCHA-MI advocates comes together in Lansing to urge CAHC funding in the 2010-11 budget! On March 11th, SCHA-MI advocates and community partners from across the state came together to celebrate its 4th annual Advocacy Day in Lansing. During the meeting, special recognition was given to our Policy Maker of the Year – Hon. Governor Jennifer Granholm; and Legislative Champions – Sen. Ron Jelinek and Rep. Terry Brown. Adding to the festivities, the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) presented tributes and contributions to youth groups from RAHS, TeenHYPE, and I’m Saving Myself for their participation in February’s Black History Celebrations at the Capitol; on hand for the presentations were Rep. Fred Durhal and Sherie Davies, Executive Director of the MLBC. Afterwards, members met with legislative members to urge continuance of CAHC funding.
If you have any questions regarding the State Budget, please contact:
Deborah Riddick, Director of Policy and Planning
School-Community Health Alliance of Michigan
driddick@scha-mi.org
Youth Rally 2009
Slideshow: Youth Storm Capitol to Save Their Health Centers
6035 Executive Drive, Suite 103 • Lansing, MI 48911 • PH: 517.908.0847 • FAX: 517.381.8011 • info@scha-mi.org