WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND BOARDS (WALHDAB)

 

Home Up Legislative Agenda Joint Annual Conf.
 
 
 

August 25, 2005 Minutes
 

Joint WPHA-WALHDAB Public Affairs Committee Conference Call Minutes

Thursday, August 25, 2005 – 1:00-2:00 p.m.

 Present: Kathy Blair, Barb Theis, Diane Capazzo, Kathy Farnsworth, Lowell Haugen, Dale Hippensteel, Jim Ryder, Jan Klawitter, Mary Ann Lippert, Kathy Munsey, Sally Nusslock, Nancy O’Dell, Eric Ostermann, Sharon Hampson and Jim Stecker.

Staff: Tim Hoven, Michael Welsh and Heather Westgor.

Call started at 1:02 p.m.

Legislation

bulletLegislative Grid
  1. The legislative grid was reviewed.  It has been somewhat of a “dead period” lately.
  2. A bill of interest is AB 414 – “Smoke-free Dining Act.”  It passed the assembly by the skin of its teeth and was put out on paper ballot this morning.  Michael mentioned that he should know the results in the afternoon.  It’s expected the Governor will veto.  Its companion bill (SB 202) passed the committee on a 3-2 vote.  It’s expected that AB 414 will have the same result.  The earliest the bill can go to the Senate floor is September 20th.  Michael will develop another letter to the Senate to send out when needed.  Tim and Michael will also talk to key people about the bill.  We have the opportunity to press hard on this and have a positive impact on the Senate.  We will send a legislative alert out to the members to contact their state legislators when directed by the lobbyists.
  3. Sharon requested a summary on the status of community ordinances.  The information is available on the Smoke Free Wisconsin website, www.smokefreewi.org.
  4. Kathy Farnsworth questioned why we oppose the “Potluck” bill (AB 454).  It’s never been an issue for us, as we don’t inspect or license the events.  Eric will distribute an editorial that can be used as an example of our response to the bill.  In addition, it was recommended that we contact WEHA and others to clarify the public health opposition to the bill.
  5. Child Safety Seat Companion Bills (AB 70 & SB 32) are being re-introduced.  Do we still support?  Yes—as long as it’s the same as before.  There is a hearing next week and Michael will register us in favor.

 ·         New Legislation

1.       AB 589 – Meningococcal Bill

·         DPI to distribute information to school districts and the school districts are responsible in distributing this information to students and parents.

·         There are vaccine supply issues—may not have enough on hand.

·         Must work hand-in-hand with local health department.

·         This vaccine is not required right now for schools so why are we requiring legislative action?

·         It was decided we need more background and a detailed description of this bill.  We will hold off making a decision right now.

·         This could also be a good time to strengthen our relationship with Representative Lamb to create an even better bill.

·         The major dilemma is will this vaccine be paid for.  It’s expensive and there is no additional funding right now.

·         Right now it’s just important to get the information out there.

2.       SB 259 – Health Department Mergers (Senator Brown’s Bill)

·         This stems from a senate-select committee researching ways to save local governments money.

·         Cities concerned about consolidating worry about not being able to withdraw.  This proposed changed is intended to eliminate a perceived barrier to merging.

·         Splitting after many years could be a mess and the fear is once you decide to merge, there is no going back.  This bill would allow you to go back.

·         Michael said there is time to gather more information.

·         A meeting will be set up with Senator Brown to learn more about the bill.

·         This issue will be put on the agenda for the September meeting.

  1. Public Health Hearing Next Month (September 7th)

·         There are three bills on the agenda:  AB 453 (Oppose), AB 454 (Oppose) and AB 589.

·         Members will be asked to testify via an action alert.

·         AB 453 – still opposed.  Send out a 1-pg. rationale on joint letterhead to get our name out there.  Don’t want to overdo it.

·         AB 454 – oppose

·         AB 589 – Need to gather more information before this hearing and come to some decision by email.

  1. September 14th Hearing

·         AB 285 – Michael believes this bill isn’t going to pass.  It’s is important we weigh in on this bill.  Eric recommends we send out an action alert to ask if anyone will testify against this bill.  We need something in writing. (The Labor Committee will be discussing this bill on September 14th—all day.)

 

Other Issues

bulletModel Statutes Draft – Public Health Modernization
  1. The draft and drafter’s notes were reviewed.  Simple, technical changes were made to make things more clear.
  2. The re-draft will be out the beginning of September.  Representative Hines is ready to go.
  3. Once the bill is introduced, we need co-signers. (3rd week of September).
  4. We need a good show of support.

 

Workplan

  1. The 2005-06 Committee Workplan and Budge will be discussed at next month’s meeting.

 

Legislative Priorities

  1. Is SB 211 dead?  Yes.

 

Other Business

  1. Jan mentioned that the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health plans to formally announce its formation in September.  Sara Finger, a new WPHA member, is director of the Alliance.  She said she would send the article regarding the Alliance to Eric and Dale to review.  She also asked if she should forward to the board.

 

With no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:18 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,

Heather Westgor, Administrative Staff (WPHA)
 
 
 

For more information about WALHDAB, call your local health department or a Board member or visit http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/localhealth/index.htm to locate your local health department.
Rev. 03/05

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Last Updated: 07/01/2006 by Amanda Munsey