Budget & Funding Priorities
Protect Core Public Health Funding & Programs: Protect funding for public health, preserving the ability for local communities to allocate resources to target priority needs. Protect core public health programs such as Maternity Support Services and family planning.
Protect Important Safety Net Services: Protect health programs and services that affect the state’s most vulnerable people and help reduce health disparities such as Medicaid Pharmacy, Medicaid Interpreter Services, Dental, Apple Health, Basic Health Plan, Disability Lifeline-Medical, and the Breast & Cervical Health Program, as well as mental health and chemical dependency services.
Policy Priorities
Priority:
Protect Washington’s Clean Indoor Air Law: Keep Washington’s Clean Indoor Air Law strong, simple and straightforward.
Local Control of Tobacco: With the loss of the state’s tobacco prevention program, provide localities additional tools to prevent and curb tobacco use.
Secure Medicine Return: Support the creation of a statewide program to ensure the safe return of prescription medications.
Procurement of State Purchased Food: Require that food purchased using state dollars meet healthy nutritional standards.
Support:
CPR in Schools: Support the inclusion of life-saving CPR as a graduation requirement for Washington state high school students.
Health Reform-Implementation of the Exchange: Washington state received federal funding to implement the Exchange. Currently the legislature is recommending Exchange board members for appointment by the Governor. In addition to being a “marketplace” for individuals to obtain health insurance, the Exchange is an opportunity to develop more educated health care consumers by providing information on preventative services, and which health plans can demonstrate positive health outcomes. Support engagement in the implementation of the Exchange as a key tool to improve the health of the public in Washington state.
Safe Routes to School & Complete Streets: Support creating healthy and Safe Routes to School and Complete Streets that encourage active living.
Monitor:
Children’s Safe Products Act: Support the Children’s Safe Products Act to protect kids from exposure to harmful chemicals.