| MAP
Advocate |
Vol.10 No. 14
April 12, 2004
Take Action! Make a Call for Sexual Health Education.
You did it last week and it worked. Thanks to your calls, senators voted
to reject an attempt to limit minor's consent. We need you to make a call
this week. The Senate Education omnibus bill is expected on the floor
soon and we are certain social conservatives will seek to undermine the
comprehensive sexual health language in the bill with an abstinence-only
until marriage amendment. Call your senator and ask
them to reject any attempts to change the language currently in the bill,
which supports what works and what parents want. For more information,
check MAP's Bill Tracker.
Senators Reject Efforts to Limit Minors' Access to Health Care
Last week, senators rejected an effort led by Sen. Nienow (R-Cambridge)
to impose restrictions on Minnesota's minors' consent law that would have
seriously impacted the ability of teens to access confidential health
services. The amendment was introduced to an omnibus funding bill and
was rejected on a procedural vote because it did not fit within the scope
of the bill. Although this was procedural, it is a real victory for advocates
for the health of young people. But remember, it isn't over until it's
over. There are plenty of opportunities for this amendment to come up
again - and the
Wilkin bill is still alive in the House. Keep watching your MAP Advocate
and checking the Bill Tracker
and stay alert on this issue.
What's In Play with Health Care, Senate and House Versions
Both the House and the Senate have plans to address the skyrocketing
costs of health care and access, but the plans have dramatic differences.
While the bill passed by the House restores some of the cuts made last
year, it also reduces general fund spending on health and human services
by more than $64.7 million. Cost containment
measures in the house bill include allowing non-profit HMOs to operate
in Minnesota as well as reducing some mandates. The Senate bill contains
the "Oregon Plan" where the state refuses to pay for medical
treatments deemed ineffective. The bill also includes a plan to eliminate
co-payments for those on state subsidized health insurance. Neither the
House or Senate bills include the administration's $2.1 million proposal
for a one-time fix effecting ADAP in Minnesota through June 2005. Also
not included in the bill are plans to reinstate eligibility and the levels
of coverage for programs like Minnesota Care and General Assistance Medical
Care that would take some of the pressure off programs like ADAP.
MAP Still on Watch for Involuntary Testing of Inmates
Legislation that would create a process to circumvent Minnesota's current occupational exposure in corractions statute remains in play, although no language was introduced to last week's omnibus bill. MAP opposes the language in HF2028. We will remain watchful and will continue working with lawmakers to ensure that policy reflects sound public health, as well as working with corrections workers to address fears and misconceptions. This legislation comes at the same time MAP releases Finding the Balance: Public Health vs. Public Safety in Corrections Systems. The report address questions around creating safe workplaces as well as better care for incarcerated individuals living with HIV. For more information on obtaining a copy of the report, contact MAP Public Policy at public.policy@mnaidsproject.org.
Take Action! Your Support is Needed at the 2004 AIDS Walk
The AIDS Walk is coming up on Sunday, May 16, just a little over one month away. MAP relies on funds raised at the AIDS Walk to maintain our presence at the State Capitol and to keep you informed of what is going on around HIV policy. We need your support. Click here to register online for the Walk. Can't make it? Make a direct donation. Your support ensures that the voice speaking out for fair and effective policies towards HIV in Minnesota is loud and strong.
MAP Advocate is published by the Minnesota AIDS Project every two weeks while the Minnesota Legislature is in session, and monthly during the rest of the year. It is available through the MAP web site mnaidsproject.org and through email list service. If you wish to order the MAP Advocate, visit our Join the Action Network page, or contact MAP Public Policy by phone or email.
MAP Public Policy
Minnesota AIDS Project
1400 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-341-2060
800-373-2437
public.policy@mnaidsproject.org
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Last Updated:
Friday, March 30, 2007
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