February 2007 EditionDon't Miss Out
The Seventh Annual Edition of CPA’s Progressive Agenda Has Arrived!
The Progressive Agenda for the States 2007: Values & Vision for America features 50 of the most innovative policy solutions being debated and enacted in the states. A wide range of domestic issues—including Identity Theft, Global Warming, Fair Share Health Care, Sudan Divestment, and Predatory Mortgage Lending—are covered. To order your copy today, contact Rachel Balick at rbalick@cfpa.org or 202-956-5132. While you're waiting, download the entire book (PDF).
Progress on Policy
Colorado Approves Discount Drug Program
The Colorado House and Senate approved SB 1, a bill which will allow people who cannot afford health insurance to buy discounted drugs through the state. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Bob Hagedorn, would authorize the state to work in collaboration with private sector pharmacies to negotiate the lowest possible prices for generic drugs. Gov. Bill Ritter signed the bill. Read CPA’s Prescription Drug Pricing policy brief and model legislation.
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver Signs Minimum Wage Bill
Gov. Chet Culver signed HF 1, raising the state’s minimum wage to $7.25 by January 2008. Culver’s decision makes Iowa the 29th state to raise wages above the $5.15 federal minimum. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Kevin McCarthy. Read CPA’s Minimum Wage policy brief and model legislation.
Early Voting Amendment Passes Maryland Legislature
The legislature has passed a constitutional amendment for early voting that will be put before the electorate in a 2008 referendum. Sponsored by Sen. Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and other Senate members, SB 1 places a question on the ballot asking voters to enable more people to vote. The proposed constitutional amendment will be decided in a public referendum and will be pushed back to the legislature for a final decision in 2009. Read CPA’s Early and Absentee Voting policy brief and model legislation.
Texas Becomes First State to Require Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Texas Gov. Rick Perry bypassed his state’s legislature and issued an executive order that requires schoolgirls to receive Gardasil, the newly-approved vaccine against cervical cancer. By September 2008, all girls entering sixth grade will have to receive the vaccination that protects against strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer. The order also mandates that Gardasil be made available for free to girls aged nine through 18 who are uninsured or lack vaccination coverage and requires that Medicaid offer it to women aged 19 through 21.
Legislator of the Month: NJ Senator Nia Gill
Sen. Nia Gill of New Jersey responded to the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS cases caused by the sharing of needles in her state by introducing SB 494, a bill that allows needle exchange. Click here to read an interview with Sen. Gill about her legislation.
Website of the Month: www.PollingReport.com
PollingReport.com is a nonpartisan resource that tracks American public opinion on key political issues on a state-by-state basis. The website provides the most current candidate favorability ratings and offers comprehensive polling data on key political and social issues such as abortion, the death penalty, gun control, and immigration. State legislators interested in polling results on a wide variety of topics from the top polling firms in the country will find this website particularly helpful.