Joint
WPHA-WALHDAB Public Affairs Committee Conference Call Minutes
Thursday,
September 22, 2005 11:00am – 2:00pm
Call started at 11:02 am
Legislation
Legislative Grid-The legislative grid was
reviewed.
1. When
discussing abortion, must divide politics versus policy and be conscience of
the effects of discrimination on employment and how it will protect the
employer.
2. In
regards to future legislation, refer back to resolutions that were passed.
As a consumer, these should be available as the issues are very time
sensitive and note that the author did try to not compromise the concerns or
at least that the efforts were made.
3. The
group discussed current lobbing at this point and the possible ramifications
that the more the group comes out against or for a particular issue, the
name WALHDAB will be more know for good or bad and these name recognitions
add up. A motion was made that a letter pertaining to public health and its
initiatives be sent to the governor. M/S/C to write a letter to the
governor that we oppose this based on the previous resolution.
4. Bill 414
deals with smoke-free dining. There has been little feedback from the
members in their efforts to contact their legislators. This issue may be on
the Senate calendar for next Thursday. They need to be made concerned that
they don’t have the vote as there is a veto override, in other words, the
governor does not want to be overridden. Mr. Gretchke is trying to make
deals on this issue and thus the members have to start making phone calls.
An alert will be turned up a notch and sent out again as people don’t see
the urgency of the issue. It was very close in the assembly and will be
close here as well. It may not be much of a party-line vote so phone calls
will make a difference and also the legislators will want to move on to
another issue. They have seen this issue for a long time and have other
things to get to. The communities that already have strong legislation
should make calls.
5.
Regarding the pot-luck bill, it was agreed to remove the tavern language in
order to exclude them.
6. The
nonpasturized milk bill means that you have an interest/sharing in a cow to
produce raw milk. The bill would not make it illegal for someone to do this
on their own farm. This bill must be opposed and be put on the radar.
7. Bill
465-Records Retention. This bill would make someone have to call everyone
that you have a record for and could take an enormous amount of time.
Issues relating to this bill include: time spent, cost, relevance, when they
signed on, state that records will be destroyed after x amount of years. An
ad could be put in the paper if the office is being closed. What would
happen in the case of a merger? What are the impacts? In those cases,
there are many clients and they are no longer at the same address. How
relevant is this bill to the medical health departments. This bill may not
be worth opposing at this point or maybe should stay neutral.
8.
589-meninjinous vaccine. The intention of this bill is good but needs to be
made better. DPI is looking to put this vaccine on their mandatory list for
school children. The group should have an opinion on this. Issues with the
bill include: how much should they manufacture? Which should come first,
the mandate or the supply? Doctors should give feedback as to if the
supply is there. Not everyone can afford the drug if it is made mandatory.
There was a motion made to contact Dan from Immunization. It is a good
policy but very difficult to meet the expectations. The bill says the
information would have to be given to each school , from grade 6-12. The
group does not have to register but simply monitor the bill for now. If
there is window of opportunity to partner, can we modify the legislation to
have a policy that can be distributed to the parents of those students.
Maybe make the vaccine optional. Schools do not want to get in a position
to recommend a vaccine that is not even available. Part of the dilemma is
that there is already a federal policy on these issues. There is a need
there but legislation may not be the answer. Use this as an opportunity to
use legislation that is already in place. There was discussion about some
ways to give credit for those that raise issues but may not have passed into
laws. Let the legislators know that their efforts are appreciated for
introducing the bills even if it did not pass because it still creates
awareness.
9. The
group discussed the legislation proposed for those with an STD and if they
should be labeled as a felon or sex offender. This will probably not go
anywhere but will go on record opposing it.
New Legislation
- 653-Creates a penalty of
$100 if any minor is caught purchasing any tobacco product. Will a judge
be able to say that community service is included because parents are
usually the ones that pay the fine. The kids need to pay. Would this even
get to a judge? This is not a partisan issue. Where does $100 go? Money
should go back to anti smoking legislation.
- 138-Grossman bill- There
will be a full Senate vote on Tuesday. This group is opposed to this
bill.
- SB325-Establishing
indoor air quality in schools. Is this bill because of a lack of funding
for old buildings? Put on the next agenda for the next meeting and get
more information.
- 171-An analysis will be
put together and sent to the committee.
- Other legislation: 1.
children’s health issue with mercury levels in schools. 2. LRB3182
draft-not a crime to breast feed in public. 3. $1 cigarette tax.
Other Issues
Model statutes draft-Liz
Zelazek reported that has been some questions and delays. Oct 5th
is the tentative date to hear initial bill. The drafter has an issue with
the provision of tribal relations and is trying to get better language. The
bill is done other than that one issue. No final draft but will try to get
done by the 5th. Rep Heinz likes the issue and been proactive
but will need someone to testify. How does HSF fit in with this? Once
final draft is done, it is in our best interest. Liz is trying to keep
people (Patty and Meg) informed that it is in process but neither has
responded back to Liz but they are aware that it is moving forward and
tentatively will be heard on October 5th. Some controversial
items were taken out. Liz would be willing to give testimony if it is
scheduled for the 5th. Should there be language regarding
cost? The bill will have a fiscal note attached to it. If it is perceived
that departments can’t afford this, that will delay the process. If it is
unresolved now, what will we be giving up in the model act? When the
national bill was drafted, the funding issue was purposely left out. The
thought was that it would lose any support if funding was included. The
funding issue does not take away the need for the bill.
Public Health Funding
Subcommittee. They are starting to get a common vision and will work on
putting out a newsletter. How much dollars can be put into this? The first
draft will not be perfect but will include a cover letter signed by the
president explaining what this is. Wisconsin is out of step with other
states that get funding. People want to know where the funding is coming
from and must develop a written plan.
Workplan
There was a discussion of the workplan for 2006. What
activity would the committee commit to? A budget should be developed and
include what activities they want to be accomplished such as the following:
1. Candidate survey
2. Other target issues to be proactive on-other than
workplan.
3. Are there other organizations to get involved
with?
4. Improving grass roots activities.
5. Packaging discussions and present to members to
show that we are covering a wide range of topics
6. Evaluating expenses.
7. Other recognitions beyond passing bills
Other Business
There was no other business.
With no additional business, the meeting adjourned at
2:06pm.
