Healthcare Reform Moves to State Senate
The Senate Health Committee will hold a legislative hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 23, to discuss ABX1 1, legislation authored by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez that would reform the healthcare system in the state. Healthcare reform has been a high priority for the speaker and the governor, who both spent a large part of last year negotiating with stakeholders on a compromise package. Key components of the proposal include: an individual mandate that requires all residents to obtain insurance; a phase-in approach that will guarantee that all Californians can purchase coverage at a reasonable price regardless of their medical history or age; cost-sharing among providers, individuals, employers, hospitals and government; tax incentives to assist individuals purchasing insurance; a focus on prevention and wellness; and the implementation of health information technology. CHI has weighed-in with key policymakers outlining our general support for reform, but cautioned against policies that would have unintended consequences on biomedical innovation. The Assembly approved the bill during a special session in January.
Governor Supports Term Limit Initiative
Gov. Schwarzenegger announced Tuesday, Jan. 15, that he would support Proposition 93, the term limits initiative on the Feb. 5 statewide ballot. The measure would reduce the total number of years lawmakers can serve in the Legislature from 14 to 12, but would allow them all to be served in one house. The measure would allow incumbents who were set to leave this year – including Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez and Senate Pro Tem Don Perata – more time in office. Last year, the governor had remained uncommitted to the change in term limits as he was looking to package it with a proposal that would have altered the way the state’s political districts were drawn.
University of California Feels Budget Crunch
According to the University of California Board of Regents, U.C. may have to consider turning away thousands of eligible students this fall because of expected cuts in revenue caused by the state’s $14.5 billion budget deficit. The governor has proposed a budget that would leave U.C. about $417 million short of its projected need. Compounding the problem, tuition fees, which have nearly doubled since 2002, may increase as much as 10 percent. The regents, meeting on the UCLA campus on Thursday, Jan. 17, did not take action on these issues, but decisions are anticipated before March.
Governor to Headline CHI 2008 California Biomedical Industry Report Launch
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.)
Registration Open for California Life Sciences Day
Join with leaders in biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biomedical research in Sacramento on Wednesday, March 26, to build support for the issues that matter most to California’s medical innovators. Attendees will participate in face-to-face meetings with legislators and state government officials; network at a luncheon featuring a keynote address by Sacramento Bee political consultant Dan Weintraub; and join legislators and their staffs at a closing reception at the historic Sutter Club. In conjunction with the event, an exciting diabetes showcase will be on display that will be open to participants and employees in the Capitol. Cost is $75 and registration for the event is now open. For more information visit www.lifesciencesday.org or contact David Burt (burt@chi.org or 858.551.6677.)