WPHA-WALHDAB
JOINT
PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
JULY 28,
2005
WPHA voting members
present: WALHDAB voting members present:
Sarah Beversdorf
(phone) Diane Cappozzo
Kathy
Farnsworth Lowell Haugen (phone)
Julie Patefield Halvorsen
Sharon Hampson
Nancy
O’Dell Dale Hippensteel,
Co-Chair
Mary Ann Lippert
(phone) Kathy Munsey
Barb
Theis
James Stecker
Staff Present:
Christopher Ruditys
Michael Welsh
NEXT MEETING: Thursday,
August 25, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Wisconsin Medical Society,
Madison.
Action items in BOLD CAPS
The meeting was called to
order at 11:05 a.m.
State Budget Update –
Michael Welsh from Hoven Consulting gave an overview of the approved state
budget. Governor Doyle had approximately 139 vetoes including the family
planning waiver issue. The overall budget didn’t really impact or affect
public health.
Veto Letter – Michael Welsh
noted that a letter was sent to the Governor’s office thanking him for his
veto of the family planning waiver
Legislative grid – The
committee discussed and planned strategy of where to put forth their
efforts.
AB 207 “Patient Abandonment
Bill” – Michael Welsh will get some information to the Dale
Hippensteel and Eric Ostermann on how the bill will affect Public Health.
Mary Ann Lippert informed
the committee of the work being done by the Tobacco Sub-Committee. The
Tobacco Sub-Committee will have a resolution brought back to the Public
Affairs Committee by the next committee.
There was a lot of
discussion on helping out local municipalities pursuing the “Smoke Free
Dining Act.” AB278 will be a number one priority this fall for both
organizations.
HFS 107 – The committee
supports the rule change as it relates to the proposed changes to the State
Medicaid program. Michael Welsh will provide more information on the
change. Each association should disseminate information to their respective
organizations.
Bi-Annual Lobby Report –
Both organizations are in compliance with their reports to the State.
Public Health Funding
Sub-Committee – A lot of the discussion centered on public awareness to
legislators and other decision makers. Newsletters or other publications
outlining profiles of public health would be beneficial.
2005-06 Committee Workplan
and Budget – Dale Hippensteel and Eric Ostermann will work on
this so something can be sent out to the respective organizations.
Update on Association of
Non-Smokers Rights (ANR) – draft resolution on conference location – A
strategy needs to be developed and information needs to be posted to the
website and put in the newsletter.
Fundraising, Political
Action Committee – Michael Welsh gave an overview of the benefits of
establishing a political action committee and/or a direct giver (conduit)
program for the organization.
Other Issues – It was noted
that there is a new health administrator (Sherry Johnson). A letter
should be sent out to her from each organization welcoming her into her
new role. In addition, the presidents of each organization should meet with
her to offer her assistance. The Board of Directors of each group might
want to also meet with her to offer her support.
Meeting was adjourned at
1:38 p.m.
