ACS CAN continues to
push for the passage of SB 625, the oral chemotherapy fairness legislation. The
Senate overwhelmingly passed SB 625 by a 36-1 vote in May. The legislation sits
in the House Insurance committee. The chairman has not confirmed a hearing or
vote for the legislation and time is running out before the end of session.
We
are working with coalition partners and others to get the legislation moved
before the November election date. Grassroots have taken place throughout the
summer to keep the issue in the spotlight for members of the House Insurance
Committee. ACS CAN and Relay for Life volunteers have taken over
Insurance Committee Chair Tom Leonard’s coffee hours in June and July and put a
major focus on the oral chemotherapy legislation.
An ordinance to make
the purchase of tobacco products illegal for any under age 21 was introduced in
Ann Arbor on July 18th. The ordinance is set for a final vote
on August 4th. If passed, Ann Arbor would become the first
municipality in Michigan to pass a tobacco 21 ordinance.
Recently, Michigan State Representative Julie Plawecki
passed away suddenly. Rep. Plawecki was a champion for health issues in
the Michigan legislature and was set to introduce statewide legislation for
tobacco 21 in July. That legislation has been put on hold until a new
sponsor can be found. Additionally, Rep. Plawecki was the sponsor of
colorectal cancer screening legislation that is now
ACS CAN advocates in Michigan
have been pushing Congressman Fred Upton to act on HR 3119, the Palliative Care
and Hospice Education & Training Act (PCHETA). This legislation has a
total of 170 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and currently sits in
the House Energy and Commerce Committee which is chaired by Congressman Fred Upton
from southwest Michigan. ACS CAN will continue doing activity over the
summer to encourage Congressman Upton to put the legislation up for a hearing
in his committee.
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