LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR 2007-2008

 q       Monitor and educate regarding the implementation of appropriate state plans in Kansas and Missouri to improve the coverage of health insurance and access to care for underinsured children.

 ·         Monitor and educate regarding the importance of maintaining and preferably increasing funding for Medicaid/MC+/Healthwave reimbursements to dental, mental health, and pediatric providers at a sufficient level to ensure health professionals’ participation in the said programs.

q       Monitor and support national, Missouri and Kansas legislative and policy initiatives that promote maternal and child health.

 ·         Monitor and educate regarding the impact of the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights (TABOR) and any similar proposals in Kansas and Missouri.
 ·         Monitor and educate regarding policy to support preventive care, including immunization initiatives.
 ·         Monitor and educate regarding policy that supports prevention initiatives related to obesity, injury, alcohol and tobacco use.
 ·         Monitor and educate about and support adequate appropriation for the Healthy Start Initiative and other early intervention programs.
 ·         Monitor and educate regarding policy that promotes and supports breastfeeding.
 ·         Monitor and educate regarding birth defects prevention policy.
 ·         Monitor gun control initiatives and assist policy makers with morbidity and mortality gun related data. 

q       Monitor and educate regarding welfare reform as it relates to public funding of maternal and child health programs to protect eligibility and maintain quality.

 In choosing 2006-2007 legislative priorities for the Coalition, the following factors were taken into consideration: