SB 840, The California Universal Health Care Act, moves to Assembly.

State Senator Sheila Kuehl's SB 840 has passed the California Senate and is now in the Assembly Health Committee, where it will be heard July 3. The Universal Health Care Act would provide full coverage to everyone in California-including California's nearly 7 million uninsured-for less money than we currently spend on health care.

SB 468, Shaken Baby Prevention Bill Held in Appropriations Committee

The last week has been one filled with roadblocks for our current bill, SB 468 (Padilla). Despite a very solid start and strong bipartisan support, SB 468 is on hold until January. This was the final week to move bills through the fiscal committees as we approach the end of this year’s session. Unfortunately, due to tight budget times, many bills did not move off of the suspense file. SB 468 is one of these bills and therefore can not move for the rest of this year. Fortunately, this is the first year of a two year session, meaning that in January we will have the option of moving the bill again. We will continue to work with the Department of Social Services over the next year as we plan on moving the bill again in January.

PCA CA remains committed to this legislation, intended to create a pilot program for evidence based Shaken Baby Prevention Program here in California. We will utilize the fall to reexamine our approach and prepare for the new year. We are delighted to see the growing strength of this network and appreciate all that you have done thus far. Once the bill moves again we will be calling on you again to take an active role in advocating for California’s children and families. Your role was vital in making Shaken Baby a priority to legislature and we hope to increase the collective voice of advocates across the state as we continue to work to develop sound policy that will support and strengthen families in out state.

Resources

www.ppic.org/main/home.asp

www.calinst.org/

www.leginfo.ca.gov/

Democratic Leaders Discuss Early Childhood Education

Democratic candidates attending the American Federation of Teachers Executive Council meeting discussed their position on early childhood education...
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