The GHF team prides itself on being able deliver timely and accurate updates on health care happenings at the Capitol. We hope that you enjoy reading our weekly legislative updates and that they help you stay informed and connected. If you enjoy them, please consider supporting our work with a donation today. Thank you for your continued support!
Last week, Governor Kemp signed the amended FY2021 state budget. Changes to the current state budget increased state spending by $654 million for a $26.5 billion budget (HB 80.) The budget includes $20 million to expand broadband internet access to rural regions and a $946,580 increase for the Georgia Department of Public Health so they can better respond to and manage the state’s COVID-19 response efforts.
The House Appropriations Committee continues to work on the FY22 budget, which will begin on July 1, 2021. The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute has published their annual budget primer to help you understand the ins & outs of the proposed budget.
Action alerts: Childhood exposure and prior authorization
Ask the Georgia House to vote YES on HR 52!
Lead poisoning in children is irreversible and can cause a number of serious health issues. Sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey, HR 52 would create the Joint Study Committee on Childhood Lead Exposure so that legislators can study how this issue is affecting Georgia children and consider fixes.
Legislation introduced to promote housing stability
Georgia’s eviction rates are among the highest in the country. Evictions can negatively impact the financial and bodily health of tenants. Children who move a lot are more likely to have chronic conditions or be in poorer health. Forced moves are costly for low-income families, limiting what they can spend on health care, and families often end up in lower-income neighborhoods with fewer health supports (like access to healthy foods or good paying jobs).
HB 408, sponsored by Rep. Sharon Cooper, would promote housing stability for families. The bill would require eviction notices be provided and delivered in writing. The bill would also allow tenants to pay all back rent within seven days of receiving the notice – an opportunity they do not currently have. This change would bring Georgia in line with 40 other states.
SB 172 was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Contact Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Hufstetler today to ask for a hearing on SB 172! You can reach him at chuck.hufstetler@senate.ga.gov or 404-656-0034. (Phone calls are better than emails!)
Joint study committee proposed to examine Medicaid Sustainability
HR 186, sponsored by Rep. Debbie Bucker, would create the Joint Medicaid Sustainability Study Committee. Medicaid has been a first responder for Georgia’s health system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Medicaid, Congress has provided billions of dollars to support Georgia hospitals and health care providers, and to cover the costs of COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for low-income Georgians. Medicaid is also providing health insurance for a record number of Georgians (mostly children) after unprecedented job losses forced families from their job-based coverage.
Rep. Buckner’s proposal would bring together state leaders, consumers, health care providers, insurers, and other stakeholders to examine Georgia’s Medicaid system and look for opportunities to strengthen it. We are grateful to Rep. Buckner for her inclusion of a consumer representative on the proposed study committee.
This week’s advocacy events
Speak up for a healthier Georgia during these virtual advocacy days!
Don’t miss out on opportunities for advocacy with GHF and our partners! Attend these advocacy events and help us build a healthier Georgia together:
10th Annual Asian American Advocacy Day Thursday, February 25, 8:45 am – 1:00 pm Join Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta for an exciting and interactive event honoring Georgia’s recent successes and planning for the future.
GHF has you covered!
Stay up-to-date with the legislative session
GHF will continue monitoring legislative activity on a critical consumer health care issues. Along with our weekly legislative updates and timely analysis of bills, we have the tools you need to stay in touch with health policy under the Gold Dome.
Georgia Pathways to Coverage Medicaid program too limited, too costly, analysis finds
Jess Mador
More than a year after the state launched the Pathways to Coverage program, offering Medicaid in exchange for work or other state-approved activities, advocates say the program is too difficult…
