Governor Proposes State Budget
On Jan. 10, 2008, Gov. Schwarzenegger proposed a $101 billion spending plan that cuts virtually every function of state government to close a $14.5 billion budget gap.  The 10 percent across-the-board reductions would take billions of dollars from public schools by suspending payments to Proposition 98, temporarily shut down dozens of state parks and release tens of thousands of state prisoners.  The state’s Medi-Cal budget would also take a large hit as the governor is proposing as much as $1 billion in cuts aimed at eliminating certain benefits rather than reducing the number of people who get basic medical services.  Despite the fiscal crisis, the governor vowed to continue his push for universal health coverage claiming that his reform proposal is revenue neutral.  On Tuesday in his State of the State address the governor made it clear that this was not a problem that we would tax our way out of, a point that was reiterated with the release of the budget.

CHI Requests Extension for Implementation of Electronic Pedigree Law
CHI submitted a statement to the California Board of Pharmacy (board) on Jan. 9 requesting an extension of the Jan. 1, 2009, implementation date for the state's electronic pedigree requirement.  The law requires that all dangerous drugs be uniquely serialized at the unit of use level in order to be sold in the state.  The board has the authority to delay the implementation date until Jan. 1, 2011.  In November, CHI surveyed its membership to see what progress companies had made and what problems they were encountering as they work to meet the requirements of the law.  The results of the survey were the basis for CHI's submission to the board.  David Gollaher, Ph.D., CHI president and CEO, is scheduled to testify before the board at its next full board meeting in San Diego on Jan. 23, 2007.  The testimony will focus on the specific challenges that CHI believes need to be addressed prior to implementation.  For more information contact David Burt, CHI legislative director (burt@chi.org or 858.551.6677.)

CHI to Unveil 2008 California Biomedical Industry Report Jan. 23rd
CHI and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) will unveil the 2008 California Biomedical Industry Report at a reception and dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at the historic Sutter Club in Sacramento.  Discussing key elements of the biomedical industry in detail, the report offers insights from more than 100 executives in all sectors of the California biomedical industry focusing on opportunities and threats to California’s global industry leadership.  The event will bring together CHI’s board of directors, membership, industry and academic thought leaders and policymakers for a vital exchange of ideas for the future of California.  CHI gratefully acknowledges the sponsors of the event; Boston Scientific, Genentech, Gen-Probe Incorporated, Gilead Sciences, Johnson & Johnson, PhRMA, and Sanofi-Aventis.  RSVP online or contact Callie Robbins, CHI public relations coordinator (robbins@chi.org or 858.551.6677) by Wednesday, Jan. 16.